Citation below provided by Dr. Noran Moffett

Dr. Walter S. Polka

Professor Emeritus, Niagara University

To summarize Dr. Polka’s experience is a reflection of a true scholar and academic, highlighting that he is a distinguished educator, administrator, researcher, and author with over seven decades of experience in education. His consistent service to ISEP and the ISEP community, his extremely impressive publication record that includes 16 Educational Planning journal publications as well as his editorial service to the journal, his ISEP 2010 Honors Award, as well as innumerable personal and professional qualities that reflect the dispositions of a deeply important and impactful ISEP colleague who embodies the best of ISEP. His dedication to ISEP as well as the academic community has been a touchstone towards the importance of service to others, which is equally reflected through his proven record of leadership in K–12 and higher education, including program design, doctoral supervision, and international research collaboration.

Dr. Polka is recognized for student-centered constructivist teaching, engagement with and mentorship of novice as well as evolving leaders, all while maintaining a prolific publication and presentation history. Even as a Professor Emeritus of Leadership and Policy with Niagara University, his continuing service to the profession and deeply engaged supports for his students and alums, the professional organizations within which his service is renowned, and his scholarly endeavors continue to positively impact a broader landscape. Equally impactful is his continuous undergirding support to the success of ISEP, continuously welcoming and supporting new and sustained members of the ISEP community as well as colleagues who would desire to become a part of ISEP yet may not yet be aware of the organization and it’s embracing, positive community.

Equally, Dr. Polka continues to be the epitome of the perfect mentor as he continuously opened his welcoming arms to anyone and everyone who was interested in Educational Planning and offering support towards the evolution of a colleague’s academic career. Dr. Polka has expanded the meaning of practical wisdom, humanistic mentorship, scholarly integrity, meaningful impact, as well as welcoming all into the folds of his trusted support and respect, without consideration for anything beyond seeing the very best in people with whom he comes into contact and desiring that each person has their quality and strengths reflected back to them.

Emphasizing the quality of Dr. Polka as a consummate professional as well as highlighting the impact of his scholarly contributions to the Educational Planning journal is appropriate, while equally recognizing his depth of humanistic mentorship, collegiality, practical wisdom, scholarly integrity, and meaningful impact upon all within the scope of ISEP’s reach as well as within his own academic and scholarly reach is truly remarkable. Dr. Polka’s extensive support and guidance throughout ISEP’s evolution is clear, yet highlighting merely five of his leadership roles and responsibilities in ISEP, include:

Active ISEP member and organizational leaders since 1990; has presented 85 sessions at 36 ISEP conferences and authored or co-authored 16 articles in Educational Planning since joining ISEP in 1990.

2012-2026 member of Nominating Committee. 2011-2013 Chair of Outstanding Dissertation Award Program; Board of Directors member: 2020-26, 2015-2018, and 2005- 2011.

Conference Co-Chair: 2023 (Alexandra, VA); 2018 (Charleston, S.C.); 2017 (Toronto, Canada) and 2015 (Baltimore, MD). Conference Chair: 2013 (Niagara Falls, NY); 2009 (Savannah, GA); 2006 (Pittsburgh, PA); 1997 (Philadelphia, PA); 1993 (Niagara Falls, NY).

In addition, served as ISEP Treasurer, 1997-2003 and ISEP President, 1995-97 as well as Associate Editor of Journal: Educational Planning, since the publication of Volume 21(1) to present.

Also note, that at the 2025 ISEP Conference in Buffalo, New York, as part of a session presentation titled, Reimagining and Transforming Educational Planning in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: A Conceptual Framework, proposed by Metin Ozkan, Gaziantep University; Selahattin Turan, Bursa Uludağ University; & Duygu Kilic, University of Pittsburgh and personally presented by Duygu Kilic that, ‘the research publications of Dr. Walter S. Polka were the most cited references in Education Planning in the past 50 years’. 

Of importance and a clear reflection of Dr. Polka’s impact is the recognition as a recipient of International Society for Educational Planners 2010 Honors Award. Additionally, Dr. Polka has authored and/or co-authored an impressive expanse of Educational Planning journal publications throughout his career. These publications were with not only scholarly research colleagues but also students. He has also, authored or co-authored 16 peer- reviewed Educational Planning journal research articles in collaboration with research colleagues and students.

Dr. Polka is held in the highest esteem and quality of admiration by colleagues, throughout the ISEP community as well as far beyond these parameters. We as an ISEP community extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Walter Polka for his truly invaluable service and personally impactful support to ISEP, from his Educational Planning journal service as well as quality of publications through his thoughtful guidance and support within ISEP. The TC Chan Outstanding Scholarly Contribution Award is presented to Dr. Polka as a reflection of his embodiment of this award’s academic and humanistic recognition.

Citation below provided by Dr. Selahattin Turan

Dr. Tak Cheung Chan

Editor of Educational Planning (2013–2025)

Between 2013 and 2025, under the editorial leadership of Dr. Tak Cheung Chan, Educational Planning experienced significant growth and enhanced academic recognition. During his tenure, the journal published a total of 197 peer-reviewed articles across 34 issues and 10 volumes—an achievement that reflects Dr. Chan’s unwavering dedication to advancing the field of educational planning and his commitment to cultivating a rigorous, inclusive scholarly platform for educational planners and researchers worldwide.

Beyond his exemplary editorial stewardship, Dr. Chan has made a lasting contribution to the journal’s intellectual legacy through his own scholarly work. Over the years, he has authored 16 articles in the journal, demonstrating both the breadth and depth of his academic engagement. Of these, five were sole-authored, highlighting his individual scholarly perspective, while eleven were co-authored with esteemed colleagues, underscoring his commitment to academic collaboration and dialogue. Dr. Chan’s dual role as both editor and contributor has had a profound influence on the journal’s trajectory, establishing it as a respected venue for the dissemination of innovative research in the field of educational planning.

 Educational Planning is the official scholarly publication of the International Society for Educational Planning (ISEP), an organization founded in 1970 to promote global engagement and dialogue among educational planners. The journal, first published in 1974—four years after the Society’s establishment—has served for over five decades as a vital academic platform for international scholars, significantly contributing to the evolution of educational planning as a recognized and enduring academic discipline. Over the past 55 years, ISEP has continued its commitment to academic excellence through a wide range of scholarly activities and international conferences. Throughout the journal’s 50-year history, six editors preceding Dr. Chan provided foundational contributions that shaped its reputation and academic standing.

Dr. Chan has been an extraordinary mentor to countless scholars, particularly those navigating the complexities of academic publishing. He consistently offered guidance and encouragement to emerging researchers, fostering an environment where diverse voices could be heard and valued. His patient and constructive feedback not only strengthened individual manuscripts but also empowered authors to grow as scholars, leaving a lasting impact on the professional journeys of many within the educational planning community.

In addition to his role as editor, Dr. Chan has been an active and influential member of ISEP for over 25 years. His contributions span all levels of the Society’s operations, from participating in conferences to supporting its strategic development—making him an integral figure in both the Society’s and the journal’s ongoing advancement. Beyond his academic achievements, Dr. Chan is widely respected for his integrity, principled leadership, and exceptional interpersonal skills. His professional demeanor and personal character have earned him the admiration of colleagues and collaborators alike. We extend our deepest appreciation to Dr. Tak Cheung Chan for his invaluable service to both Educational Planning and ISEP. We wish him continued peace, fulfillment, and happiness in the next chapter of his life.