Meet Loyola's School of Education's Dean, Dr. Afra Hersi, Ph.D.
Loyola University's School of Education is pleased to introduce Afra Ahmed Hersi, Ph.D. as its dean.
Hersi joined the Teacher Education department faculty in 2007, received tenure and promotion to associate professor in 2013, served as chair of Loyola's Teacher Education Department since 2017, and was recently promoted to professor of literacy education.
As dean, Hersi will lead the faculty in shaping curricular offerings to meet current and future market needs, foster collaborations among departments in the School and throughout the University, and work to enhance recognition and reputation of the School.
“Dr. Hersi brings to the role 24 years of experience in education, including 14 in higher education, as well as a focus on equity, social justice, and educator preparation,” said Amanda M. Thomas, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Her expertise, experience, and marvelous energy will serve the School of Education well, especially at this moment in Loyola’s history.”
“As an immigrant from Somalia, educated in racially, culturally, and linguistically
diverse public schools, a high-school teacher in diverse suburban and urban communities,
and a teacher educator, I am committed to working towards greater equity in educational
opportunities for all students,” she said.
Hersi received her Ph.D. and Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from
Boston College, and B.A. in History, Social Studies, and Secondary Education from
Radford University. She grew up in northern Virginia, where she began her teaching
career.
“In the School of Education, we have some of the best people applying their expertise
to further our mission to prepare highly effective and ethical educators who are change
agents committed to social justice, improving education and life for children. The
School of Education is a place where this mission is lived in a purposeful and impactful
way,” Hersi said. “I have a steadfast belief in the people within our School of Education
community. I look forward to leaning into our equity and inclusion mission and strengthening
education throughout Baltimore, Maryland, and the region.”
Hersi has published research in the areas of immigration and education, literacy and
language development for bilingual learners, culturally and linguistically responsive
practice, and teacher education. Her focus is on academic opportunities for culturally
and linguistically diverse students and research that expands the educational and
life opportunities of marginalized children, their families, and communities.
“By preparing transformational educators, leaders, and counselors, we can have a significant
impact on undoing systemic oppression. We are going to need all of our hands on this,”
Hersi said. “Educators have a direct influence in helping improve children’s lives.
The School of Education has really embraced equity and inclusion, creating opportunities
for our students to grow as responsive, culturally relevant, and antiracist educators.”
With her co-principal investigator, Timothy Clark, Ph.D., associate professor of mathematics
and statistics, Hersi was recently awarded an NSF Robert Noyce Capacity Grant to develop
evidence-based innovative models and strategies for recruiting a pipeline of highly
qualified teachers with strong backgrounds in STEM content as well as training in
effective culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogies.
In 2016, Dr. Hersi received the Dean’s Outstanding Achievement in Research, Teaching,
and Service Award. Among the grants she has received are the Verizon Foundation Grant,
and the Knott Foundation Grant.
Particularly during the pandemic, Hersi emphasizes the importance of addressing the
dramatic inequities in P-12 education.
“We must act with greater urgency and work to dismantle systemic inequity that has
persisted in education and in access to public health,” she said. “We are talking
about public health, but we are also seeing local and national conversations about
the scale and impact of this historic education interruption. Leaning into equity
and inclusion work will be critical as we work to build asset-based support for students
and communities.”
As dean of the School of Education, Hersi hopes to strengthen community partnerships
moving forward.
“We want to prepare changemakers in our programs to make a difference in the world.
As an urban School of Education, we have always been outward-facing toward our city,
Baltimore, our region, state, and beyond.”
Hersi will succeed Joshua S. Smith, Ph.D., who has been dean of the School of Education
since 2012. In August 2019, he announced his plans to step down from the position
and join the Loyola faculty as a professor, though he delayed the transition due to
the COVID-19 pandemic.
We also welcome Dr. David Marcovitz, Ph.D. as associate dean of the School of Education. Marcovitz has been with Loyola since
1997.
Founded in 2009, the School of Education offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. Within the Jesuit traditions of intellectual excellence, social justice,
ethical responsibility, and cura personalis, the School of Education promotes leadership and scholarship in the development of
teachers, counselors, administrators, and other educators.