A reflection on the spring semester at the School of Education and Human Development
The above only modestly hints at the quality of the SEHD learning and clinical training experience. From the inside, I can tell you that is of no surprise given the stealth of faculty talent and the caliber and competence of our devoted students.
— Evelyn Bilias Lolis, PhD, Interim Dean of the School of Education and Human Development
Greetings from an ever-bustling and ever-innovating School of Education & Human Development! I hope this newsletter finds you well in anticipation of your summer activities.
SEHD has had a tremendous Spring semester filled with accolades and celebrations.
SEHD remains committed to excellence in teaching and scholarship. The works of our faculty and students continue to bring pride and recognition to our community. Here is a short recap of some of our recent highlights:
- For the first time in Fairfield University history, the School of Education & Human Development (formerly the Graduate School of Education & Allied Professions) will offer its own undergraduate major! Cue our newly approved, newly minted BA in Curriculum & Instruction (C & I). This program will allow our school to train and certify competent and skilled educators in four years at the undergraduate level, directly helping to offset society’s crippling teacher shortage crisis. This, along with our reimagined secondary education certification pathway we are proud that we can respond to the needs of the profession in such a critical way.
- Kate McGrady, a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program was the 2024 recipient of the Fairfield University St. Ignatius of Loyola Medal. The University recognizes one outstanding graduate student across campus who has demonstrated commitment to the Jesuit ideals of high academic standards and community engagement.
- Our own Dr. Dilani Perera, Professor of Counselor Education and Department Chair, was named Fairfield University’s Alpha Sigma Nu (Jesuit Honor Society) Teacher of the Year for graduate studies.
- Fairfield’s Connecticut Writing Project (CWP) Young Adult Literacy Labs under the leadership of the talented Dr. Bryan Crandall received the 2025 Divergent Award for Excellence in Implementation by the Initiative for Literacy in a Digital Age. The prestigious national award recognizes the importance of literacy in a digital age, those who diverge from traditional pedagogies and research approaches, and the indelible contributions of educators and scholars who have dedicated their careers to the theoretical and practical study of 21st-century literacies.
- Our TESOL program was named the best in the region by College Factual.
- Our mental health programs (clinical mental health, social work) were rated among the best in the region by College Factual.
- SEHD's EdD program was rated by Forbes as among the best online educational doctorates.
- Five student-led research teams along with their faculty mentors represented SEHD at Fairfield University’s annual Student Research Symposium this spring!
- Professors in the Marriage and Family Therapy, Counselor Education, and Social Work programs presented their research at professional regional and national conferences with their graduate student research assistants.
- Our Annual Diversity Lecture Series was held this semester with keynote speaker, Dr. SJ Miller.
- Stephaney Morrison, PhD, Director of the School Counseling Program and associate professor of counselor education, and Melissa Quan, EdD, Director of the Center for Social Impact have just returned from a week-long trip to Tanzania where they spent time at Loyola High School actively planning the future of Fairfield University's partnership.
- SEHD continues to be rated among the highest in CT for pass rate scores for teacher certification exams.
- 100% of all SEHD program completers in education and mental health who are certified and wish to seek employment are employed.
The above only modestly hints at the quality of the SEHD learning and clinical training experience. From the inside, I can tell you that is of no surprise given the stealth of faculty talent and the caliber and competence of our devoted students.
This is a new era for SEHD. Thank you to friends and partners near and far for continuing our powerful narrative and for your support of our endeavors. It is an incredible time to be a SEHD student—please consider coming back to take advantage of all the professional advancement opportunities we have available. We are absolutely #SEHDProud.
Fondly and in gratitude,
Evelyn Bilias Lolis, PhD
Interim Dean
