As part of the re-envisioning of the academic departments in the college and new hires this summer, there are new folks in leadership roles in the Reich College of Education. Learn more about each of them:
Department of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum
Dr. Lisa Poling, Chair
Poling, an associate professor, has been named department chair for the Department of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum.
Poling earned a Ph.D. in mathematics education from The Ohio State University, an M.Ed. in teacher leadership from Wright State University, teaching credentials from Capital University, and a B.S. in finance from Franklin University. She joined the RCOE faculty in 2010.
She teaches both junior and senior-level mathematics education courses in the elementary education program. Her research and teaching interests include applying quantitative and statistical literacy skills to critically examine societal issues, working with pre-service and in-service teachers to improve pedagogical practices in the mathematics classroom, and working to change the perception of what mathematics is. With her research being grounded in quantitative and statistical literacy, the combination of mathematics (statistics) and critical education is somewhat unique therefore, she has had the privilege of sharing her research at several national and international conferences.
During the 2018-2019 academic year, Poling was selected to participate in the Chancellor's Academic Leadership Development Program (ALDP). Through the ALDP, selected faculty and staff participate in formal professional development sessions that introduce them to various aspects of leadership throughout the university.
In 2023, she received the RCOE Outstanding Mentoring Award.
Dr. Rachel Wilson, Interim Assistant Chair
Wilson, a professor, will serve as the interim assistant chair for the Department of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum. In January 2023, she was named the Faculty Fellow for Mentoring Initiatives for the college.
Wilson earned her Ph.D. in science education from the University of Georgia. Her research and service work has focused on co-designing and planning integrated science and language arts units with classroom teachers to incorporate multiple modes of representation in science teaching and learning.
Wilson also has other research interests including the identity development of teacher candidates and in-service teachers related to science learning and teaching.
Wilson’s research has been published in the following journals: Science Education, Journal of Research in Science Teaching, International Journal of Science Education, Research in Science Education, Innovations in Science Teacher Education, Journal of Science Teacher Education, Science & Children, and Journal of Empowering Teaching Excellence.
She also serves as the Regional Director of the Mid-Atlantic Association for Science Teacher Education.
In 2018, Wilson was awarded the RCOE Outstanding Teaching Award, and in 2023, the Mentoring Guild was awarded the RCOE Community of Practice Award.
Department of Media, Career Studies, and Leadership Development
Dr. Herb Brown, Interim Chair
Brown, a professor, will serve as the interim chair for the Department of Media, Career Studies, and Leadership Development.
Brown joined the RCOE faculty in 2007. He specializes in business, marketing and entrepreneurship education (BMEE), business, finance and information technology education (BFIT), and workforce leadership and development, preparing his students to teach various business and technology courses to middle and high school students and prepares students to Develop and Lead their workforce.
He holds a Ph.D. in career and technical education with cognates in computer information systems and educational media/instructional technology from Virginia Tech University. He has published and presented at the international and national level. His articles have appeared in Information Technology, Learning, and Performance Journal, EDUCAUSE Quarterly, NABTE Journal, and the NBEA Yearbook. He has also provided service to national and state organizations through leadership, curriculum/standards development, and support roles.
Dr. Patrick O’Shea, Interim Assistant Chair
O’Shea, a professor, has been named interim assistant chair for the Department of Media, Career Studies, and Leadership Development.
Joining the RCOE faculty in 2010, O’Shea teaches educational technology courses for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. He is also the program director for the media, technology, and learning design graduate program.
His research interests focus on two areas:
- the impact of using augmented reality technologies in educational settings and
- the design and implementation of distributed learning environments where students are creating rather than consuming content.
O’Shea has worked with master's and doctoral students to present at conferences, publish academic work, write grants, and create podcasts and websites dedicated to better understanding augmented reality tools.
In 2021, O’Shea was selected for the Board of Governors Appalachian State University School/College Award.
James Center for Student Success and Advising
Dr. Amanda Everhart, Assistant Director
In May 2023, Everhart joined the James Center for Student Success and Advising team as the Assistant Director of Recruitment and Retention Initiatives. This role is a blend of programming and advising. She works to provide engagement events for current students related to professional development and other aspects of App State's education programs while also seeking to inclusively recruit new students.
Before joining the staff in the RCOE, Everhart served as the Coordinator of Transfer Pathway Programs in the Office of Transfer Admissions and Engagement. She also has over 10 years of experience in the North Carolina Community College system, working in a student services capacity related to recruitment and retention.
Everhart received her Ed.D. in higher education leadership and M.Ed. in college student personnel from Western Carolina University and her B.A. in communication studies-public relations from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
“I'm very passionate about Appreciative advising and focused my dissertation on specialty advising models for dual enrollment students,” noted Everhart.
Mary Reeder, Assistant Director
Reeder, a two-time App State alum, joined the James Center for Student Success and Advising team as the Assistant Director of Student Engagement and Appalachian Community of Education Scholars (ACES) Program Director.
Her responsibilities include coordinating student programming and engagement for the ACES program, which is a residential learning community program.
As former ACES, she is most excited about “engaging with and supporting students passionate about education.”
Reeder received her Bachelor of Science in special education and Master of Arts in reading education. She has taught at Watauga County Schools and App State. She also is a yoga instructor.
Mathematics and Science Education Center
Dr. Chrystal Dean, Interim Director
Dean, a professor of mathematics education in the Department of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum, will serve as the interim director of the Mathematics and Science Education Center.
She received her B.S. in mathematics, secondary education and her M.A. in instructional technology from App State. After teaching mathematics and science for four years to fulfill her North Carolina Teaching Fellows obligation, she earned her Ph.D. in mathematics education from Vanderbilt University.
Prior to arriving at App State, she was on faculty at Clemson University for three years. She teaches courses in mathematics education, special education, and assessment in undergraduate and graduate programs. Her research focuses on supporting struggling mathematics learners.
In 2018, she received the RCOE Outstanding Administrator award.
Dr. Leslie Bradbury, Assistant Director
Bradbury, a professor in the Department of Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum, has been named the assistant director of the Mathematics and Science Education Center. With her focus on science education, she loves to work with undergraduate students in elementary education as well as students and teachers in our local public schools.
She received her Ph.D. in science education from the University of Georgia and joined the RCOE faculty in 2005. She is a member of the Association for Science Teacher Education and the Mid-Atlantic Association for Science Teacher Education.
In 2022, she received the RCOE Outstanding Service award.
New Leadership
