Making the difference

Faculty members make unique contributions to MU's research, service, teaching and economic development priorities. With 122 faculty members, the college's student-to-faculty ratio is 15-to-1.

Research interests vary from school violence and educational technology, to testing, positive behavioral supports and school policy. Faculty balance research with service to the broader community as well as undergraduate and graduate teaching.

Faculty by department

Faculty Profiles



Renata MaiorinoInstructor,
Renata Maiorino,
Department of Learning, Teaching, & Curriculum

“We're all together, but we all came in through different doors.”
Linda BennettAssociate Professor,
Linda Bennett,
Department of Learning, Teaching, & Curriculum

“I also like the balance of teaching both graduate and undergraduate.”
Rebecca McCathrenAssociate Professor,
Rebecca McCathren,
Special Education

“I'm fascinated with how young children make sense of their experiences.”
Melissa StormontAssociate Professor,
Melissa Stormont,
Special Education

“Teaching is more than the instruction of academics.”
Rose MarraAssociate Professor,
Rose Marra,
Information Science and Learning Technologies

“We're figuring out what needs to take place in engineering classrooms to retain women.”
Carol GillesAssociate Professor,
Carol Gilles,
Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum

“I'm all about teaching and teachers.”
Puncky HeppnerProfessor,
Puncky Heppner,
Educational, School, and Counseling Psychology

“A hopeless, avoidant problem solver is likely to be more negatively impacted by stressful events than a confident, approaching individual.”
Motoko AkibaAssistant Professor,
Motoko Akiba,
Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis

“A student cannot effectively learn and develop in a violent environment”
Jim LaffeyProfessor,
Jim Laffey,
Information Science & Learning Technologies

“I have a strong belief in learning by doing”
Jeni HartAssistant Professor,
Jeni Hart,
Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis

“I want students to leave my class thinking that they've learned something, and I want to feel like I've learned something from the students.”
Sharon HuntzeEd.D, Assistant Professor,
Sharon Huntze,
Department of Special Education

“Sharon Huntze's 28-year career is a mix of projects, grant-writing, research and leadership responsibilities.”
Betsy BakerAssociate Professor,
Betsy Baker,
Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum

“Betsy Baker is at the forefront of the classroom evolution.”
Steve WhitneyAssistant Professor,
Steve Whitney,
Educational School and Counseling Psychology

“Steve Whitney continues to diversify and bolster the College of Education's international connections and diverse perspectives.”
Eryca NevilleMU College of Education faculty member,
Eryca Neville,
M Ed '96, PhD '06

“Student success depends on how welcome students feel and how teachers focus on learning and the dynamics of the relationships in the classroom.”
Sanda ErdelezAssociate Professor,
Sanda Erdelez,
School of Information Science and Learning Technologies

“The research we do in the lab produces outcomes that are positive for everyone”
Mike PullisAssociate Professor,
Mike Pullis,
Special Education

“Dr. Pullis uses his research experience in what he teaches, which makes the information real and useful.”
Jim KollerCo-Director, Prof. of Education,
Jim Koller,
Center for the Advancement of Mental Health Practices in Schools

“Keeping in motion drives me. While I always have a zillion things going on, they all weave together somehow to help me do my job.”
Erica LembkeAssistant professor,
Erica Lembke,
Special Education

“I wanted to create and impact education in a different way.”
Jay ScribnerAssociate professor,
Jay Scribner,
Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis

“How do we train and supply Missouri schools with the best teachers that we can?”