The College of Education welcomes new faculty in 2022

Clemson’s College of Education begins the fall semester with several new faculty members. College leadership is excited to welcome these faculty members, who will enable student learning and contribute to the planned growth of the college. The new faculty members by department are as follows:

Department of Education and Human Development

Julie Lorah will serve as an assistant professor in the Department of Education and Human Development. She most recently served as an assistant professor at Indiana University. She earned a Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Washington. Her research focuses on the study and application of advanced statistical models, particularly the multilevel model and moderation model, and the methods for interpreting these models. In addition to this emphasis, Lorah investigates and engages with issues of diversity within the field of statistics and statistics education.

Fun Fact: “One of my hobbies is rock climbing and my favorite place to climb is Kentucky’s Red River Gorge. However, I can’t wait to check out all the local climbing the Carolinas have to offer!”

Tina Randall will serve as clinical assistant professor in the Clemson LIFE program. She most recently served as assistant professor at USC Upstate and has served as a graduate assistant in the Clemson LIFE program. She also served as an elementary and special education teacher over 14 years in public education. Randall earned a Ph.D. from Clemson University, a master’s degree from the University of Michigan Dearborn and a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University. Randall’s research interests include improving life outcomes for individuals with intellectual disabilities and, in particular, examining assistive technology’s role in increasing independent living and employment outcomes.

Fun Fact: “I absolutely love reading sci-fi and fantasy genres and hate realistic fiction.”

Lindsey W. Rowe will serve as an assistant professor of literacy (ESOL focus). She most recently served as an instructor for elementary education literacy methods courses at the Ohio State University, and previously served as a second-grade teacher in Nashville, Tennessee and a Fulbright teaching assistant for Fulbright España in Madrid, Spain. Rowe earned a Ph.D. in teaching and learning: language, education and society from the Ohio State University; a master’s degree in instructional practice from Lipscomb University; and a bachelor’s degree in cognitive studies, child development, Spanish, second language studies from Vanderbilt University. Her research focuses on the language and literacy practices of emergent bilingual elementary school students.

Fun Fact: “I like to play soccer in my free time.”

Rachel Kaminski Sanders will serve as a lecturer in the Department of Education and Human Development. She most recently served as assistant professor of literacy and director of the San Antonio Writing Project at the University of Texas at San Antonio. She earned a Ph.D. in language and literacy education from the University of Georgia, a master’s degree in middle level education from Clemson University, and a bachelor’s degree in apparel design and technology from Florida State University. Her research interests include new and critical literacy studies. She examines the history of cultural practices to understand the origins, the privileges and the problematic consequences of taking them for granted.

Fun Fact: “Before San Antonio, my husband and I lived full time in a 34-foot travel trailer exploring the country.”

Department of Educational and Organizational Leadership Development

Sonja Ardoin will serve as an associate professor in higher education and student affairs programs. She most recently served as associate professor and program director for the student affairs administration program in the Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University. She earned a Ph.D. in educational research and policy analysis (higher education) from NC State University, a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs from Florida State University, and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Louisiana State University. Her research focuses on social class identity in higher education; college access and success, particularly for first-generation college students and students from rural areas; student and women’s leadership development and practice; and career preparation and pathways in higher education and student affairs.

Fun Fact: “My rural, Cajun home area in South Louisiana is famous for its Courir de Mardi Gras and was featured on Anthony Bourdain’s ‘Parts Unknown’ series.”

Brandi Nicole Hinnant-Crawford will serve as an associate professor of educational leadership. She most recently served as an associate professor of educational research at Western Carolina University. She earned a Ph.D. in educational studies from Emory University; a master’s degree in urban education policy from Brown University; and bachelor’s degrees in both communication English (teacher licensure) from NC State University. Her research interests include equity pedagogy, improvement science, QauntCrit and culturally responsive school leadership.

Fun Fact: “I am the mother of 10-year-old twins, Elizabeth Freedom and Elijah Justice Crawford.”

Kelli R. Seawell will serve as clinical assistant professor coordinating the College of Education’s new Human Capital Education and Development program. She most recently worked in career services with Clemson’s MBA program, and before that worked for 15 years managing aquatic facilities and programs. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Clemson University. She earned a master’s degree in human resource development from Clemson University, a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership with an emphasis in human resources from Colorado State University Global Campus, and an associate degree in communications from Greenville Technical College. Her research interests include non-traditional student experience and academic success; student career and professional development; effective mentoring programs; virtual and remote academic student experience; and instructional design/online course development.

Fun Fact: “I love all things Harry Potter!”

Richard D. Yeargin III will serve as a lecturer in the athletic leadership program. He most recently served as a football coach and student athlete development coordinator at McDougle Technical Institute and as a football coach and sixth-grade science teacher at NSU University School. Yeargin earned a master’s degree in athletic leadership and a bachelor’s degree in communication from Clemson University. His research interests include the name, image and likeness and retention and the correlation between the two as it relates to students and student-athletes’ engagement with university policies and academic status.

Fun Fact: “I’m the ‘III;’ my brother is ‘Jr.’ and my father is ‘Sr.’”

Department of Teaching and Learning

Sheliah Durham will serve aslecturer in the Department of Teaching and Learning. She most recently served as an assistant professor and department coordinator of secondary education at Anderson University. She earned a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Clemson University, a master’s degree in Southern Wesleyan University and a bachelor’s degree in English from Charleston Southern University. Her research interests include global citizen education; information literacy and skills for navigating bias and prejudice in digital media; social justice and equity in education; and teacher preparation and diversity in education.

Fun Fact: “I am obsessed with British mystery programs and all things Jane Austen! My dog, a mixed breed terrier, is named Sherlock. I prefer trains to planes.”

Otis W. Pickett Sr. will serve as University historian and clinical assistant professor in Department of Teaching and Learning. He most recently served as associate professor of history and director of social studies education programs in the Mississippi College School of Humanities and Social Studies. Pickett earned a Ph.D. in history from the University of Mississippi in Oxford, a master’s degree in history from the College of Charleston and the Citadel, a master’s degree in theology from Covenant Seminary and a bachelor’s degree in history from Clemson University. His research interests include the history of education, history of higher education in the U.S. South, history of mission schools in the 19th century to Native Americans and enslaved African people, higher education in prisons, mass incarceration, race and the South, and the history of civil religion and the Lost Cause.

Fun Fact: “I love dogs and have a Border doodle (Border collie/poodle mix) named Marcel Ledbetter Pickett.”