Marisa Fisher, a recognized leader in special education, has been named a Red Cedar Distinguished Professor. The Michigan State University distinction recognizes faculty for their exemplary scholarly achievements, teaching excellence and alignment with university priorities, including student recruitment and retaining top academic talent. 

Fisher was recently promoted to professor in the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education (CEPSE). She co-founded, and currently serves as the executive director for, the MSU Center for Services, Training and Research for Independence and Desired Employment, or STRIDE Center. Since its creation in 2022, STRIDE has worked with hundreds individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), offered over 45 training sessions to in-service professionals and employers, and garnered nearly $200,000 in funding.

In addition to her leadership roles in the College of Education, Fisher also has prominent roles in the field of special education. 

At MSU, she is a member of the President’s Advisory Committee on Disability Issues and served on the MSU Community Engagement, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Task Force, among other ongoing and recent roles. Previously, she co-directed Spartan Project SEARCH in collaboration with the Ingham Intermediate School District, Michigan Rehabilitation Services and other partners. M