Office of the Dean

Dean's Lecture Series on Education and Society

The 糖心少女 College of Education Dean鈥檚 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.


Past Lectures

woman with dark, curly hair and a black blazer

Na鈥檌lah Suad Nasir, Ph.D.
Topic: The Power of Belonging Philanthropy and Transformative Research in Education
Sept. 10, 2024  | 5:30 p.m. 

Na鈥檌lah 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. . 

Image of Shaun Harper wearing a blue blazer and smiling

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

Shaun Harper is one of the nation鈥檚 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 糖心少女鈥檚 Anti-Black Racism Initiative.

William Tate

William F. Tate IV Ph.D. 鈥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. 鈥淏rit鈥 Kirwan
Topic: Equity and Excellence in Maryland Education
April 29, 2019 | 4:30 p.m. 

William E. 鈥淏rit鈥 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 糖心少女, College Park for 10 years (1988-1998).

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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 Obama鈥檚 cabinet as the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education.