Holmes Summer Learning Series: Session 2 – Advocating for DEI + Belonging Amidst State Actions to Defund DEI Initiatives

A growing number of states have introduced legislation that attacks diversity, equity & inclusion initiatives in colleges.  Amidst this attack are censorship and threats to academic freedom and tenure.  This session will cover resources and strategies Holmes scholars can refer to as they navigate this trying political movement. 

Speakers:

Jacob Easley II
Dean, Graduate School of Education
Touro University

Prior to serving as dean of the Graduate School of Education at Touro University, Jacob Easley served as dean of the School of Education and Professional Studies at Eastern Connecticut State University. In that role, he strengthened a multitude of academic program departments and collaborated with leadership to promote quality undergraduate and graduate teacher education programs. He also chaired the Education Division at the University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown. Easley earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership (Curriculum and Supervision) from the Pennsylvania State University, an M.A. in applied linguistics/English from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and his bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Morehouse College. He also holds a graduate certificate in Educational Administration from Georgia State University.

Monika Williams Shealey
Dean, College of Education and Human Development
Temple University
Chair, AACTE Board of Directors

Monika Williams Shealey was appointed dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Temple University, effective July 1, 2023. Prior to her new role at Temple, Shealey served as senior vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) at Rowan University, where she previously served as the dean of the College of Education. Shealey received her B.S. in specific learning disabilities and M.A. in varying exceptionalities from the University of South Florida, Ed.S. in reading and learning disabilities from the University of Miami, and Ph.D. in education from the University of Central Florida. Shealey’s research has focused on examining the experiences of traditionally marginalized groups in special education and Black women in teacher education. Shealey is the past co-editor of Multiple Voices for Ethnically Diverse Exceptional Learners, a professional journal for the Division of Diverse Exceptional Learners in the Council for Exceptional Children. In addition to serving as AACTE board chair, Shealey is a member of the Board of Trustees for the Center for Family Services and the Friends School at Mullica Hill. She is also the past president of the National Association of Holmes Scholars Alumni.