TESOL Awards Suzanne Panferov Reese With the 2025 James E. Alatis Award for Service
TESOL International Association (TESOL) Past President Suzanne Panferov Reese has been named recipient of the 2025 James E. Alatis Award for Service to TESOL. Panferov Reese was recognized for her long-time dedication, leadership, and numerous contributions to TESOL and the English language teaching field during a presentation at the 2025 TESOL International Convention & Expo, March 18-21, in Long Beach, California.
Throughout several decades, Suzanne Panferov Reese has built and maintained a commitment to distinguished service for TESOL organizations. Her leadership journey began as a volunteer column editor for the Ohio TESOL newsletter; after taking on more responsibilities, she advanced to become a member of the Ohio TESOL board of directors. From there, she served on the TESOL 2005 Convention Committee, chaired the TESOL 2007 Convention Program Committee, served as a TESOL board member, and became TESOL president in 2012. As TESOL president, she was critical in positioning TESOL for its 50th anniversary by undertaking an extensive governance review.
Following her tenure, Panferov Reese continued her commitment to the field in roles such serving on the TESOL Awards Committee and as a board member and president of the University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP). She now serves as the vice president of The International Research Foundation for English Language Education (TIRF). Currently, Panferov Reese chairs the Applied Linguistics PhD Program, directs the Critical Languages Program, and teaches in applied humanities at the University of Arizona.
Upon learning of the award, Panferov Reese reflected on her interaction with the namesake of the award, Dr. James E. Alatis. She said, “I had the honor to meet Jim and Penny Alatis many years ago, and now in 2025, during these turbulent and challenging times, I try to draw strength from the vision the Alatises had to create and support such a professional association as TESOL. I am honored and humbled to receive this award and hope that it serves as a daily reminder for all of us to persist in our profession, advocate for our students, and celebrate and support each other.”