Office of the Dean

Dean's Lecture Series on Education and Society

The Ėæ¹Ļapp College of Education Deanā€™s Lecture Series provides a forum for faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members to engage with academic leaders and scholars from across the country. The series brings experts from a variety of fields to the University to share their experiences and insights, fostering meaningful dialogue around the grand challenges we face in education and society. The series is an integral part of the College's efforts to promote learning, development, wellbeing, equity, and social justice.

The Dean's Lecture Series is organized with the generous support of the Chuck and Nancy Clarvit Family.

Upcoming Lecture
 

The Power of Belonging Philanthropy and Transformative Research in Education

with Naā€™ilah Suad Nasir, Ph.D., President of the Spencer Foundation
 

WhenWhere

Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024 
4:30-5:15 p.m.: Networking Reception, Lobby 
5:30-7 p.m.: Lecture, Chesapeake Ballroom

College Park Marriott Hotel and Conference Center
3501 University Blvd. East, Hyattsville, MD 20783

In ā€œThe Power of Belonging Philanthropy and Transformative Research in Education,ā€ Naā€™ilah Suad Nasir explores the concept of Belonging Philanthropy, a way of funding transformative research in education so that research not only describes the current challenges facing education, but also works to create better and more equitable learning environments. She asserts that how we fund education research is just as important as what we fund to make a consequential difference in advancing equitable education that helps young people thrive. This requires a rethinking of what we view as a high-quality education, and new ways to partner with families, communities, young people, scholars, policymakers, educators, education system leaders and philanthropists.

Ėæ¹Ļapp Naā€™ilah Suad Nasir

woman with dark, curly hair and a black blazer

Naā€™ilah Suad Nasir is the sixth president of the Spencer Foundation. Prior to joining Spencer, she held a faculty appointment in education and African American studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where she also served as the chair of African
American Studies department, then later as the Vice Chancellor for Equity and Inclusion. She was also a faculty member at Stanford Graduate School of Education.

Her research examines the cultural nature of learning and schooling, with a particular focus on the experiences of African American students in schools and communities. She co-edited The Handbook of the Cultural Foundations of Learning (Routledge, 2020). Nasir is a member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and the National Academy of Education, and is a past president of the American Educational Research Association.


Past Lectures

Image of Shaun Harper wearing a blue blazer and smiling

Shaun Harper, Ph.D. 
Topic: Understanding and Confronting Politicized Attacks on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Education
Oct. 25, 2023 | 5:30 p.m. 

Shaun Harper is one of the nationā€™s most highly respected racial equity experts. He is a Provost Professor in the Rossier School of Education and the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. . 

This event is co-sponsored with the Office of Student Affairs and Ėæ¹Ļappā€™s Anti-Black Racism Initiative.

William Tate

William F. Tate IV Ph.D. ā€™91
Topic: From Prenatal to the Block: Reimagining the Geography of Opportunity
Sept. 28, 2022 | 5 p.m. 

William F. Tate IV is the president of Louisiana State University, a member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences and National Academy of Education, and a human development educator. . 

Chancellor Emeritus William E. Brit Kirwan

William E. ā€œBritā€ Kirwan
Topic: Equity and Excellence in Maryland Education
April 29, 2019 | 4:30 p.m. 

William E. ā€œBritā€ Kirwan is a recognized authority on critical issues facing higher education. He is chancellor emeritus of the University System of Maryland (USM), previously serving as chancellor of USM for 13 years (2002-2015). Kirwan also served as president of the Ohio State University for four years (1998-2002) and president of the Ėæ¹Ļapp, College Park for 10 years (1988-1998).

KingJr_John_Headshot

John B. King, Jr.
Topic: Advancing the Civic Mission of Higher Education in Challenging Times
April 9, 2018 | 4:30 p.m. 

John B. King Jr. is the president and CEO of The Education Trust, a national nonprofit organization that seeks to identify and close opportunity and achievement gaps, from preschool through college.  Dr. King served in President Barack Obamaā€™s cabinet as the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education.