Faculty and Staff

Combining research expertise with teaching experience at the middle and secondary levels, the faculty of the Department of Secondary & Middle Grades Education pride ourselves on effective teaching, applied research, and undergraduate and graduate programs that are effective, relevant, and research-based.

Secondary & Middle Grades Education faculty members have taught at the middle or secondary levels in a number of U.S. states, including Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. Several faculty members have taught internationally in middle or secondary schools, including in China, Germany, and Taiwan. We have served various roles in P-12 schools, including Title I coordinator, academic coach, graduation coach, district gifted facilitator, department chair, literacy coach, and assistant principal.

Our department includes faculty with academic expertise in curriculum and instruction, in the core areas of the school curriculum (English/language arts, mathematics, the sciences, and social studies), as well as foundational areas, including educational psychology, educational research, instructional technology, and inclusive education.

Our faculty are active in professional organizations at the international, national, regional, state, and local levels where we serve as officers, executive board members, editors of journals, and peer reviewers. We are involved in or regularly present at the conferences and annual meetings of these organizations.

Faculty

Name
Position
  • Wendy Sanchez

    Wendy Sanchez Professor of Mathematics Education

    Wendy SanchezPosition:
    Professor of Mathematics Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6458
    Email: wsanchez@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 360


    Dr. Sanchez joined the Kennesaw State University faculty in 2001 in the Department of Mathematics in the College of Science and Mathematics. She joined the Department of Secondary & Middle Grades Education in the Bagwell College of Education in 2017.

    Dr. Sanchez's Faculty Website

  • Megan Adams

    Megan Adams Interim Department Chair

    Megan AdamsPosition:
    Interim Department Chair

    Phone: (470) 578-4336
    Email: madam104@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 371


    Dr. Adams serves the Department of Secondary & Middle Grades Education by coordinating the M.Ed. programs and by serving on doctoral committees across the Bagwell College of Education. Her research areas are marginalized children and schools, as well as literacy education.

    Dr. Adams' Faculty Website

  • Augustine Amenyah

    Augustine Amenyah Limited Term Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology

    Position:
    Limited Term Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology

    Phone: (470) 578-2884
    Email: aamenya1@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 345


     

  • Brendan Callahan

    Brendan Callahan Associate Professor of Biology Education; Program Coordinator of B.S.Ed. in Secondary Science; Program Coordinator of M.A.T. in Secondary Science

    Brendan CallahanPosition:
    Associate Professor of Biology Education; Program Coordinator of B.S.Ed. in Secondary Science; Program Coordinator of M.A.T. in Secondary Science

    Phone: (470) 578-2394
    Email: bcallah7@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 355


    Dr. Callahan's research focuses on the use of socioscientific issues to facilitate scientific literacy.

    Dr. Callahan's Faculty Website

  • MeiLin Chang

    MeiLin Chang Associate Professor of Applied Quantitative Research and Educational Analysis

    Mei-Lin ChangPosition:
    Associate Professor of Applied Quantitative Research and Educational Analysis

    Phone: (470) 578-7795
    Email: mchang6@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 356


    Dr. Chang teaches applied quantitative research courses for the Ed.S. and Ed.D. programs in the the Bagwell College of Education. Her research focuses on the sociocultural and emotional factors in shaping teacher motivation and student engagement.

    Dr. Chang's Faculty Website

  • Jamie Daniels

    Jamie Daniels Limited Term Clinical Assistant Professor of Science Education

    Position:
    Limited Term Clinical Assistant Professor of Science Education

    Phone: (470) 578-4494
    Email: jdanie67@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 345


     

  • Michael Dias

    Michael Dias Professor of Science Education; Woodrow Wilson Scholarship Coordinator; Secondary Clinical Experience Coordinator

    Michael DiasPosition:
    Professor of Science Education; Woodrow Wilson Scholarship Coordinator; Secondary Clinical Experience Coordinator

    Phone: (470) 578-2217
    Email: mdias@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 363


    At Kennesaw State University, Dr. Dias has been able to integrate his work in science teacher education, science teacher mentoring, and inquiry learning. Now, he is focused on language/literacy in science education and ecojustice/experiential learning.

    In school science and nature study contexts, he works with teachers to cultivate more caring, communal, and educative relationships for all learners.

    Dr. Dias' Faculty Website

  • Belinda Edwards

    Belinda Edwards Professor of Mathematics Education

    Belinda EdwardsPosition:
    Professor of Mathematics Education

    Phone: (470) 578-4727
    Email: bedwards@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 361


    Dr. Edwards teaches mathematics and mathematics education courses at the graduate and undergraduate level.

    Dr. Edwards' Faculty Website

  • Darolyn Flaggs

    Darolyn Flaggs Assistant Professor of Education

    Dr. Darolyn FlaggsPosition:
    Assistant Professor of Education

    Phone: (470) 578-2474
    Email: dflaggs@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 342


     

  • Jillian Ford

    Jillian Ford Associate Professor of Social Studies Education; Program Coordinator of B.S. in Middle Grades Education

    Jillian FordPosition:
    Associate Professor of Social Studies Education; Program Coordinator of B.S. in Middle Grades Education

    Phone: (470) 578-3093
    Email: jford43@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 357


    Dr. Ford's teaching, research, and community involvement centers social justice education, Black feminist studies, and decolonial studies. Her out-of-work passions include reading, utilizing snail mail, laughing, and engaging in warm-weather outdoor activities.

    Dr. Ford's Faculty Website

  • Rachel Gaines

    Rachel Gaines Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology

    Rachel GainesPosition:
    Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology

    Phone: (470) 578-2505
    Email: rgaines7@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 371


    Dr. Gaines studies teacher stress, emotions, and perceptions of school climate. She is also interested in how pre-service teachers develop teacher identities in online learning environments.

    Dr. Gaines' Faculty Website

  • Bryan Gillis

    Bryan Gillis Professor Emeritus of English Education & Literacy

    Position:
    Professor Emeritus of English Education & Literacy

    Phone: (470) 578-2125
    Email: bgillis@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 357


     

  • David Glassmeyer

    David Glassmeyer Associate Professor of Mathematics Education

    Position:
    Associate Professor of Mathematics Education

    Phone: (470) 578-7867
    Email: dglassme@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 341


    Dr. Glassmeyer's Faculty Website
  • Nichole Guillory

    Nichole Guillory Professor of Curriculum & Instruction

    Nichole GuilloryPosition:
    Professor of Curriculum & Instruction

    Phone: (470) 578-2371
    Email: nguillo1@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 364


    Dr. Guillory's Faculty Website
  • Johari Harris

    Johari Harris Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology

    Position:
    Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology

    Phone: (470) 578-6314
    Email: jharr694@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 357


     

  • Ivan Jorrin Abellan

    Ivan Jorrin Abellan Professor of Educational Research

     Iván M. Jorrín AbellánPosition:
    Professor of Educational Research

    Phone: (470) 578-3389
    Email: ijorrina@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 307


    Dr. Jorrin-Abellan teaches graduate research courses on Qualitative Research Methods (i.e. EDRS 8000: Applied Quantitative & Qualitative Research, EDRS 9100: Advanced Qualitative Research Methods, & EDRS 9000: Research Seminar: Conceptual Frameworks & Research Design). He has expertise in qualitative research methods with extensive experience teaching and researching innovative uses of technology in Education.

    He has recently developed the Hopscotch Model, a theoretical model and a web-tool to help novice researchers generate solid and well-informed qualitative research designs.

    Dr. Jorrin-Abellan's Faculty Website

  • Jihye Kim

    Jihye Kim Associate Professor of Educational Research; Program Coordinator of Ed.S. in Secondary & Middle Grades Education

    Jihye KimPosition:
    Associate Professor of Educational Research; Program Coordinator of Ed.S. in Secondary & Middle Grades Education

    Phone: (470) 578-4904
    Email: jkim192@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 343


    Dr. Kim teaches quantitative educational research courses for Ed.S. and Ed.D. programs. Her research lies in quantitative approaches on teacher retention with school leadership, student motivation, student's performance with teacher effectiveness, and use of technologies in class.

    Dr. Kim's Faculty Website

  • James Kirwan

    James Kirwan Associate Professor of Mathematics Education

    J. Vince KirwanPosition:
    Associate Professor of Mathematics Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6348
    Email: jkirwan@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 354


    Dr. J. Vince Kirwan teaches mathematics content and methods courses for undergraduate and graduate pre-service mathematics teachers. His research focuses on how pre-service mathematics teachers integrate their knowledge of mathematics content, pedagogy, and student thinking during their preparation, and in what ways this integrated knowledge translates into practice during their early teaching career.

    Dr. Kirwan's Faculty Website

  • Brian R. Lawler

    Brian R. Lawler Associate Professor of Mathematics Education; Program Coordinator of B.S.Ed. in Secondary Mathematics; Program Coordinator of M.A.T. in Secondary Mathematics

    Brian R. LawlerPosition:
    Associate Professor of Mathematics Education; Program Coordinator of B.S.Ed. in Secondary Mathematics; Program Coordinator of M.A.T. in Secondary Mathematics

    Phone: (470) 578-4235
    Email: blawler4@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 349


    Dr. Lawler's scholarship focuses on equity issues in mathematics education, in particular the ways in which power and knowledge intertwine to govern the learner's mathematical identity. More precisely, his research examines the personal epistemologies of adolescent mathematicians: Do high school math students see themselves as mathematical authors? He also taught high school for nine years.

    Dr. Lawler's Faculty Website

  • Kimberly Loomis

    Kimberly Loomis Professor of Science Education

    Kimberly LoomisPosition:
    Professor of Science Education

    Phone: (470) 578-3388
    Email: kloomis@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 369


    Dr. Loomis teaches middle grades science methods, classroom management, and educational psychology courses. Her primary interests are inquiry teaching and learning, wolf education, and traveling to national parks (Yellowstone and Denali) with teachers.

    Dr. Loomis' Faculty Website

  • Erik Malewski

    Erik Malewski Professor of Curriculum Studies; Program Coordinator of Ed.S. in Curriculum & Instruction

    Erik MalewskiPosition:
    Professor of Curriculum Studies; Program Coordinator of Ed.S. in Curriculum & Instruction

    Phone: (470) 578-7575
    Email: emalewsk@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 366


    Dr. Malewski has studied the effects of international cross-cultural experiences on undergraduate students' cultural perceptions. He has also engaged in synoptic study of the direction of the curriculum field and examined the implications of conceptions of ignorance for teaching and learning. Along with a colleague, Dr. Malewski developed a study abroad program in Honduras for teacher education students and a hybrid place-based and virtual field experience program. Under his mentorship, Dr. Malewski's graduate students received national recognition for their research, including the prestigious American Educational Research Association's Outstanding Dissertation of the Year Award. Dr. Malewski has published numerous books, articles, and chapters focused on domestic and international diversity issues.

  • Beth Marks

    Beth Marks Senior Lecturer of Secondary & Middle Grades Education

    Beth MarksPosition:
    Senior Lecturer of Secondary & Middle Grades Education

    Phone: (470) 578-3267
    Email: bmarks@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 340


    Mrs. Marks teaches Education Foundation courses and coordinates the EDUC 2110: Investigating Critical and Contemporary Issues in Education course.

    Mrs. Marks' Faculty Website

  • Kristie Smith

    Kristie Smith Assistant Professor of English/Language Arts Education

    Position:
    Assistant Professor of English/Language Arts Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6314
    Email: ksmit871@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 336


     

  • Anete Vasquez

    Anete Vasquez Assistant Department Chair; Program Coordinator of Ed.D. in Secondary & Middle Grades Education; Honor's Liaison

    Anete VásquezPosition:
    Assistant Department Chair; Program Coordinator of Ed.D. in Secondary & Middle Grades Education; Honor's Liaison

    Phone: (470) 578-3427
    Email: avasque8@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 362


    Dr. Vasquez teaches courses in English/language arts and general education in the Department of Secondary & Middle Grades Education. Her research interests include all aspects of the clinical preparation of teachers, particularly in the area of preparing teacher candidates to work with diverse learners.

    Dr. Vasquez's Faculty Website

  • Binyao Zheng

    Binyao Zheng Professor of Educational Psychology and Research

    Position:
    Professor of Educational Psychology and Research

    Phone: (470) 578-3495
    Email: bzheng@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 359


    Dr. Zheng's focuses are Learning Theories, Research, and Multicultural Education.

    Dr. Zheng's Faculty Website

  • Guichun Zong

    Guichun Zong Professor of Curriculum & Instruction

    Guichun ZongPosition:
    Professor of Curriculum & Instruction

    Phone: (470) 578-6747
    Email: gzong@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 358


    Dr. Zong's main teaching and research areas of expertise are centered on issues related to curriculum and instruction at the secondary and middle school levels, as well as teacher education and higher education, in general.

    Dr. Zong's Faculty Website

Part-Time Faculty & Staff

Name
Position
  • Nancy Gillis

    Nancy Gillis Part-Time Instructor of Secondary & Middle Grades Education

    Ms. Nancy GillisPosition:
    Part-Time Instructor of Secondary & Middle Grades Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6105
    Email: ngillis1@kennesaw.edu
    Location: KH 3003


    Ms. Gillis teaches EDUC 2110: Investigating Critical and Contemporary Issues in Education and advises undergraduate Middle Grades Education majors.

    Ms. Gillis' Faculty Website

  • Leigh Graham

    Leigh Graham Part-Time Instructor of Education

    Position:
    Part-Time Instructor of Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6314
    Email: lgraham@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 336


     

  • Crystal LaVoulle

    Crystal LaVoulle Part-Time Assistant Professor of Reading Education

    Position:
    Part-Time Assistant Professor of Reading Education

    Phone: (470) 578-2884
    Email: clavoull@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 361


     

  • Jennifer McKinney

    Jennifer McKinney Part-Time Associate Professor of Mathematics Education

    Position:
    Part-Time Associate Professor of Mathematics Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6314
    Email: jmckin15@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 336


     

  • Jamel Miller

    Jamel Miller Part-Time Assistant Professor of Curriculum & Instruction

    Position:
    Part-Time Assistant Professor of Curriculum & Instruction

    Phone: (470) 578-6314
    Email: nmille67@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 336


     

  • Juliann Noble-healy

    Juliann Noble-healy Part-Time Instructor of Social Studies

    Position:
    Part-Time Instructor of Social Studies

    Phone: (470) 578-6314
    Email: jnoblehe@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 336


     

  • Luwanda Scott-Vaught

    Luwanda Scott-Vaught Part-Time Instructor of Adolescent Education

    Position:
    Part-Time Instructor of Adolescent Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6314
    Email: lscottva@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 336


     

  • Joanne Simpson

    Joanne Simpson Part-Time Assistant Professor of Reading Education

    Position:
    Part-Time Assistant Professor of Reading Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6314
    Email: jsimps46@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 336


     

  • Pamela Spalla

    Pamela Spalla Part-Time Instructor of Education

    Position:
    Part-Time Instructor of Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6314
    Email: pspalla@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 336


     

  • Vivian Stephens

    Vivian Stephens Part-Time Assistant Professor of Secondary & Middle Grades Education

    Position:
    Part-Time Assistant Professor of Secondary & Middle Grades Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6314
    Email: vstephen@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 336


     

  • Kristie Wright

    Kristie Wright Part-Time Instructor of Science Education

    Position:
    Part-Time Instructor of Science Education

    Phone: (470) 578-6314
    Email: kwrig162@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 336


     

Staff

Name
Position
  • Laquisha Malveaux

    Laquisha Malveaux Office Manager

     Alaine MalveauxPosition:
    Office Manager

    Phone: (470) 578-6314
    Email: lmalveau@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 372


    Alaine performs a wide range of clerical and secretarial tasks and provides administrative support to the Department of Secondary & Middle Grades Education in the Bagwell College of Education.
  • Christen Knight

    Christen Knight Admin Assistant

    Position:
    Admin Assistant

    Phone: (470) 578-6314
    Email: cknigh30@kennesaw.edu
    Location: BEB 336


     
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