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



Motoko AkibaAssistant Professor,
Motoko Akiba
Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis
A student cannot effectively learn and develop in a violent environment
Betsy BakerAssociate Professor,
Betsy Baker
Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum
Betsy Baker is at the forefront of the classroom evolution.
Linda BennettAssociate Professor,
Linda Bennett
Department of Learning, Teaching, & Curriculum
I also like the balance of teaching both graduate and undergraduate.
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
Gail FitzgeraldProfessor,
Gail Fitzgerald
Information Science & Learning Technologies
This is a meaningful way for me to contribute to the community.
Carol GillesAssociate Professor,
Carol Gilles
Learning, Teaching, and Curriculum
I'm all about teaching and teachers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jim LaffeyProfessor,
Jim Laffey
Information Science & Learning Technologies
I have a strong belief in learning by doing
Erica LembkeAssistant professor,
Erica Lembke
Special Education
I wanted to create and impact education in a different way.
Renata MaiorinoInstructor,
Renata Maiorino
Department of Learning, Teaching, & Curriculum
We're all together, but we all came in through different doors.
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.
Rebecca McCathrenAssociate Professor,
Rebecca McCathren
Special Education
I'm fascinated with how young children make sense of their experiences.
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.
Mike PullisAssociate Professor,
Mike Pullis
Special Education
Dr. Pullis uses his research experience in what he teaches, which makes the information real and useful.
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?
Melissa StormontAssociate Professor,
Melissa Stormont
Special Education
Teaching is more than the instruction of academics.
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.