Dr. Thalia M. Mulvihill, a tenured Professor of Social Foundations and Higher Education, currently serves as the Assistant Dept. Chair/Director of Doctoral Programs (Ed.D. in Adult, Higher and Community Education and Ph.D. in Educational Studies) and the Director of the Certificate Program in College & University Teaching. Dr. Mulvihill holds a Ph.D. in Cultural Foundations of Education and Curriculum (Syracuse University, 1995) an interdisciplinary degree with a focus in History and Sociology of Education/Higher Education and a Concentration in Gender and Education Studies. She also holds two Certificates: (1) Gender and Education Studies and (2) Qualitative Research. Her MA is in Higher Education Research/Student Affairs Administration. (Syracuse University, 1987), and she earned dual degrees as an undergraduate in American Studies and Secondary Social Studies Education, (Syracuse University, 1985). Her research agenda focuses on the history and sociology of education/higher education with a focus on women and gender issues. Some areas of special interest include: 1.) life histories/narratives of women educators, including deans of women, women college and university presidents, and women coaches 2.) graduate student education with a focus on curriculum development for future professors and student affairs administrators, 3.) qualitative research methods, 4.) critical theory and pedagogies that focus on democracy and social justice issues, including conflict resolution/group development strategies, popular culture, and educational issues related to interscholastic and intercollegiate athletics, 5.) cultural studies and internationalizing the curriculum.
Highlights: 2009 recipient of the Dr. Robert O. Foster Faculty/Professional Staff Award for exemplifying the mission if the Multicultural Center to support and advance cultural diversity with a commitment to student growth; 2004 University Excellence in Teaching Award; 2003 Virginia B. Ball Center for Creative Inquiry Fellowship. Recent journal publications appear in Teachers College Record, Innovate, International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, The Teacher Educator, Academic Exchange Quarterly, Educational Research and Reviews, Vitae Scholasticae, Journal of College Student Development, Journal for the Study of Sports and Athletes in Education.