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, bolster research and contribute to the planned growth of the college. The new faculty members by department are as follows:
Department of Education and Human Development
Lydia Beahm will serve as an assistant professor in the Department of Education and Human Development. Beahm earned her Ph.D. in special education from the University of Virginia. She was a special education teacher for eight years before becoming a board-certified behavior analyst and earning her Ph.D. As a former teacher, Beahm has extensive experience working with individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, and other health impairments in the elementary setting. Her research focuses include improving the feasibility of evidence-based practices for classroom and behavior management, analysis of social validity in behavioral research, developing high-quality online support for educators, and implementing social-emotional learning curriculums in the classroom.
Fun Fact: “I am a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”
Megan E. Carpenter will serve as a research fellow in the Department of Education and Human Development. Carpenter previously served as a visiting professor at Furman University and as a postdoctoral researcher at the Kansas University Center on Developmental Disabilities. Prior to her career in higher education, Carpenter was a special education teacher for students with extensive support needs. Her research interests include training educators to implement positive behavioral supports for students with extensive support needs to increase opportunities for inclusive education. She earned a Ph.D. in special education and a master’s degree in special education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a bachelor’s degree in special education from Loyola University Chicago.
Fun Fact: “This summer, with my two-year-old, we visited 12 new parks and read over 100 books!”
Heather Dunham will serve as an assistant professor in the Department of Education and Human Development. She previously served as a course instructor for undergraduate reading methods and educational psychology courses at UT Austin, a field supervisor for interns and student teachers at UT Austin, and as an elementary teacher in Nashville, Tennessee. Dunham’s research focuses on culturally sustaining literacy practices in elementary classrooms and justice-oriented teacher preparation. She examines the ways teachers understand and enact pedagogies that honor students’ cultural and linguistic practices in the classroom. Dunham earned a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with a focus on language and literacy studies from the University of Texas at Austin. She earned a master’s degree in English language learners and a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and child studies from Vanderbilt University.
Fun Fact: “I’m an avid hot yoga enthusiast!”
Sarah Jerasa will serve as an assistant professor in the Department of Education and Human Development. She previously served as an elementary classroom teacher and as a writer in residence and professional development writing coach for Writers in the School in Houston, Texas. Jerasa’s research interests include equitable literacy access, digital literacies affordances for reading and writing, and elementary literacy instruction. She earned a Ph.D. from the University of Houston and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Virginia.
Fun Fact: “I auditioned to be on the CBS game show, ‘Lingo,’ with RuPaul.”
Erin McClure will serve as a visiting lecturer in the Department of Education and Human Development. She previously served as an education consultant, an adjunct professor at Clemson University and Queens University, and as a K-8 literacy specialist in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Her research interests center around how teachers provide individualized instruction in reading, writing and word study. Based on her work with Dr. Linda Gambrell, she is also interested in how educators can support a student’s goal setting to improve their reading abilities as well as their reading motivation. McClure earned a doctorate in literacy, language and culture from Clemson University, a master’s degree in literacy from Queens University in Charlotte and a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Wake Forest University.
Fun Fact: “My children were selected for a photo shoot for the cover of Legends Magazine, an annual publication featuring Kiawah Island.
Oluwaseun Ayobami Oti will serve a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Education and Human Development. Oti served as co-director and then director of Clemson University’s America Reads program from 2019-2023 and as a graduate teaching and research assistant in the Department of Education and Human Development at Clemson University. Before her work at Clemson, Oti founded Magical Books, a social enterprise that promotes healthy reading habits and lifelong learning attitudes among Nigerian children, teenagers and adults. Her research interests include early and elementary literacy, teacher education, family literacy, parent and teacher partnerships, and capacity building. She earned a Ph.D. from Clemson University, a master’s degree from the University of Ibadan and a bachelor’s degree from Bowen University.
Fun Fact: “Before starting my literacy education career, I worked in different fields, including serving as a radio talk show host!”
Rachel Saunders will serve a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Education and Human Development. She previously served as an assistant professor of counseling at the University of Cincinnati. Suanders’ clinical and research interests focus on the role of school counselors promoting a culturally inclusive school environment and acting as agents of change within the systems of education through advocacy and leadership. This includes research on training school counselors in multicultural competence and the implementation of culturally responsive school counseling programming through a lens of social justice and trauma-informed care. From K-12 schools to institutions of higher education, she is interested in researching ways to create an affirming and inclusive setting for all. Saunders earned a Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision and a master’s degree in school counseling from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the College of Brockport.
Fun Fact: “My favorite food is an oyster!”
JaCoya Thompson will serve a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Education and Human Development. Thompson previously served as a STEM educator and data analyst. Her research interests include data science, design-based research and digital learning environments. She designs digital learning environments that develop data skills in diverse learners for societal participation. Thompson earned a Ph.D. in computer science from Northwestern University, a master’s degree in mathematics and a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Fayetteville State University.
Fun Fact: “I create DIY/customized clothing, balloon arches, party decor and favors.”
Sarah K. Ura will serve as an assistant professor in the Department of Education and Human Development. Ura previously worked as a clinical social worker with families who experienced trauma and as an academic advisor. She studies school discipline disparities for students of color and she is particularly interested in how culturally responsive, trauma-informed approaches in schools can help ameliorate these problems. Ura earned a Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, a master’s degree in social work from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and a bachelor’s degree in social work from Ball State University.
Fun Fact: “I lived in Doha, Qatar, for the past four years and I’ve traveled to 21 countries!”
Department of Educational and Organizational Leadership Development
Parker Morse Andreoli will serve as clinical assistant professor in the Department of Educational and Organizational Leadership Development. Andreoli previously worked for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for nearly 10 years. She taught high school English, served as an academic facilitator and instructional coach, and worked in the district offices as an advanced studies specialist and AVID district director. Her professional interests center on teaching and researching alongside educators to better understand how school leaders influence opportunity gaps that exist for marginalized students. She is also interested in better understanding how to create transformative learning experiences for school leaders, particularly through engagement in improvement science practices. She earned a Ph.D. from Clemson University, a master’s degree from North Carolina at Charlotte and a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Fun Fact: “I am a former North Carolina teaching fellow and currently a mom to ‘two two-and-unders,’ which makes every day a new adventure!”
Edwin Nii Bonney will serve as assistant professor in the Department of Educational and Organizational Leadership Development. He previously served as an assistant professor at Radford University. His research interests include decolonization, continuous improvement, indigenous languages in education and curriculum development. Bonney earned a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies as well as a master’s degree in language teaching from the University of Missouri. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and Spanish.
Fun Fact: “I Just finished co-writing my first book due to be published next year titled “Improvement Science in the Field: Cases of Practitioners Leading Change in Schools.” Also, I recently started biking again after 15 years of not riding.”
Ying Feng will serve as clinical assistant professor in the Department of Educational and Organizational Leadership Development. She previously served as a graduate instructor, research assistant and co-founder of Recreation Club. She has research interests in people analytics, HR/HRD technologies, leadership, women’s leadership development, workplace diversity initiatives and engaged scholarship. Feng earned a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
Fun Fact: “I was a semi-professional badminton player in college where I sharpened my skills and competed at a national level for a few years. My passion for the sport started when I was seven years old thanks to my mom’s decision to send me to a training camp during summer vacation. Although I no longer compete professionally, I still enjoy playing casually in my free time. If you ever wish to have a match or perhaps learn a few techniques, don’t hesitate to ask!”
Phillip D. Grant Jr. will serve as assistant professor in the Department of Educational and Organizational Leadership Development. He previously served as assistant professor at the University of West Georgia. His research interests include rural education, college and career readiness, and improvement science. Grant earned a Ph.D. in education administration and policy and a certificate in interdisciplinary qualitative studies from the University of Georgia. He earned a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Alabama.
Fun Fact: “My wife and I have season tickets to every home Atlanta United FC match.”
Jacquelyn N. Williams will serve as assistant professor in the Department of Educational and Organizational Leadership Development. Williams previously worked as an analyst at Insight Education Group, a graduate research assistant at Clemson University, and as a school counselor in Dorchester School District Two. Their research interests include identifying associations between educational leader behaviors and the school environment, and understanding how motivational factors to engage in equity work, such as social or political influences, intersect with educational leaders’ capacity to implement equitable change in a sustainable way that provides lasting impacts. Williams earned a Ph.D. in educational leadership and a master’s degree in school counseling from Clemson University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sports management from Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Fun Fact: “To feel connected to a new city, I enjoy running through areas frequented by locals.”
Department of Teaching and Learning
Alex E. Chisholm will serve as assistant professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning. Chisolm previously served as a K-12 social studies educator, a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Georgia, and an athletic academic mentor at the University of Georgia. His research interests include exploring Black social studies teacher-coaches, Black activism, civic-oriented education, and critical social studies pedagogy. Chisholm earned a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia, a master’s degree from Georgia State University and a bachelor’s degree from Clarion University.
Fun Fact: “I once met and had a conversation with James Brown – The Godfather of Soul – in the Atlanta Airport when I was 13 years old. When I told him that I wanted to be an NBA basketball player, he shot me down and told me to become an educator who focuses on the needs of Black youth for social justice. Almost 30 years later, here we are!”
Steph N. Dean will serve as assistant professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning. She previously served as an adjunct science methods instructor at George Mason University, a K-3 STEM educator and as an upper elementary teacher. Her research interests include school-based outdoor learning, place-based education, environmental STEM, and student agency. Dean earned a Ph.D. in education with a specialization in science education research from George Mason University.
Fun Fact: “I lived in a teardrop trailer for a year and visited all of the National Parks in the lower 48 states.”
Jennifer Partridge will serve as lecturer in the Department of Teaching and Learning. Partridge most recently served as an adjunct lecturer at Clemson University and has five years of classroom teaching experience in art and reading for grades K-12 in Georgia public schools. She has extensive experience in human resources, administration and training after owning and operating 12 McDonald’s restaurants in the Clemson and Greenville areas. Partridge worked closely with marginalized and diverse communities through mentoring for literacy, language and life skills. She served as the director of the nonprofit arm of this business and connected with local schools to support ongoing initiatives geared toward children and families. Her research interests include arts integration, creativity, STEAM, children’s literature and engaging marginalized demographics.
Fun Fact: “I love traveling the world to experience different cultures, foods and landscapes.”
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