Dean's Lecture Series on Education and Society
The University of Maryland College of Education Dean’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.
Past Lectures
Na’ilah Suad Nasir, Ph.D.
Topic: The Power of Belonging Philanthropy and Transformative Research in Education
Sept. 10, 2024 | 5:30 p.m.
Na’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. Read full bio here.
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 nation’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. Read full bio here.
This event is co-sponsored with the Office of Student Affairs and University of Maryland’s Anti-Black Racism Initiative.
William F. Tate IV Ph.D. ’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. Read full bio here.
William E. “Brit” Kirwan
Topic: Equity and Excellence in Maryland Education
April 29, 2019 | 4:30 p.m.
William E. “Brit” 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 University of Maryland, College Park for 10 years (1988-1998).
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’s cabinet as the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education.