2023 College of Education Tenure and Promotion
Tenure and Promotion to Associate Professor 2023
Dr. Carlton J. Fong is an Associate Professor in the Graduate Program in Developmental Education within the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. He completed his Ph.D. and M.A. in Educational Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin and his B.A. in Cognitive Science from the University of California, Berkeley. He also completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in higher education and teaching development. Dr. Fong primarily uses research synthesis and meta-analytic techniques to examine the motivational, psychological, and instructional factors that influence success, achievement, and persistence in postsecondary education.
Dr. Harris is an associate professor of professional counseling. She received her Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the University of Central Florida and her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Akron. Her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology was completed at Hampton University. Her primary research interests include low-SES children and families and counselor education and supervision.
Stacy D. Hunter received her Ph.D. in Clinical Exercise Physiology from the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied the effects of yoga on vascular function in the Cardiovascular Aging Research Laboratory. A yoga practitioner since 2008, she has now published several pioneering studies on the impact of yoga on vascular endothelial function, arterial stiffness, and glucose tolerance and presented her findings at teacher trainings, yoga studios, and symposia in the U.S. and abroad. She is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance at Texas State University. She continues her investigation into yoga's acute and chronic effects on vascular health and other coronary heart disease risk factors in healthy and clinical subpopulations.
Dr. Marcus Johnson is an associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and a researcher with a profound focus on elementary education, social studies, and early childhood education. His passion lies in advocating for improved African-American education and fostering excellence in teacher education. Driven by a deep commitment to the sociology of education, he tirelessly works to shape the future of learning and inspire positive change in educational systems.
Dr. Rolf J. Straubhaar's teaching interests revolve around critical pedagogy and culture circles. His commitment to fostering transformative learning experiences is matched by his extensive research portfolio, which encompasses high-stakes accountability policies and comparative education, with a specific focus on Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Straubhaar's expertise extends to teacher education policy, English language policy, and the anthropology of education and is dedicated to exploring alternative teacher certification pathways.
Dr. Emily Kyung Jin Suh is a prolific scholar with a strong focus on language, literacy, and education issues. Her extensive body of work includes articles such as "(Un)voicing a field’s expertise: A two-pronged citation and language analysis," which delves into the intricacies of academic discourse, and "Raciolinguistic justice in college literacy and learning: A call to reflexive praxis," advocating for equitable education practices. Dr. Suh's research also encompasses topics like adult English language learners' resistance, adoption narratives, and the community college transitions of multilingual immigrant students, highlighting her dedication to understanding and improving educational experiences for diverse populations.
Promotion to Clinical Associate Professor
Dr. Darcy Downey assumed the role of Program Director in 2017, following a successful tenure as an Associate Athletic Trainer within the athletic department from 2014 to 2017. During this time, Dr. Downey also served as an adjunct instructor in the Professional Program in Athletic Training, imparting her expertise by teaching one course per semester. With an illustrious career spanning 26 years as a clinical athletic trainer across diverse settings, she has simultaneously dedicated 18 years to teaching at the college and university levels. Dr. Downey's remarkable contributions extend to accreditation efforts in three distinct programs, with her current focus centered on accrediting the newest Master's program in Athletic Training. She achieved her doctoral degree from The University of Texas-Austin in 2010, solidifying her position as a seasoned professional in the field.