Wayne State University College of Education

The caps are on and the moment is here — congratulations to our College of Education graduates! 🎓

We celebrate everything you’ve worked for and the impact you’re ready to make in classrooms, clinics, communities, and organizations — across cities and countries around the globe.

Can’t join us in person? Watch the ceremony live at commencement.wayne.edu at 1 p.m. today.

The college is partnering with Source Booksellers to welcome Dr. David O. Stovall for a book talk celebrating his newest work, Engineered Conflict: Structural Violence and the Future of Black Life in Chicago, an examination of how school closings, housing instability, and criminalization shape urban communities, and how Black communities have organized and built power in response.

Join us Thursday, May 7, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Source Booksellers for a rich conversation, Q&A, and book signing. Admission is free. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/author-event-with-david-o-stovall-tickets-1988217283416. You can purchase a copy of Dr. Stovall's book when you register or at the event.

We hope to see you there!

"When we listen to people's experiences and develop solutions with them, research becomes a catalyst for improving health, dignity, and quality of life," says Dr. Matteo Ponzano, assistant professor of exercise and sport science.

Meet Ponzano and learn about the work he does to strengthen the physical and behavioral health of people with disabilities through his IMPACT Lab in the Wayne State University College of Education. https://education.wayne.edu/news/new-exercise-and-sport-science-professors-impact-lab-turns-community-insight-into-real-world-solutions-68637

In 2020, a health crisis gave Nate McCaughtry a new lens on his life's work — and a sharper sense of purpose.

McCaughtry — professor, assistant dean of the Division of Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies, and director of the Center for Health and Community Impact in the Wayne State University College of Education — channeled that clarity into action. The result: the Community Health Worker Academy, a program that has certified more than 400 community health workers now embedded in neighborhoods, churches, and organizations across metro Detroit, with thousands more trained through advanced coursework.

Learn more about this initiative, where many people are living in and serving their communities while building a model with implications for communities everywhere. https://today.wayne.edu/news/2026/03/10/how-a-growing-network-of-training-programs-at-wayne-state-university-equips-community-residents-to-confront-some-of-their-most-pressing-challenges-68291

How do future educators learn what really happens inside schools?

Dr. Lori Lucas created Lori's Learning Lounge to answer that question, connecting classroom learning with real voices from educators across Michigan and beyond.

Her journey — from Detroit Public Schools Community District’s Denby High School and Golightly Career & Technical Center to nearly 30 years at Wayne State University — shaped everything about how she approaches this work.

What did she discover? Read her story: education.wayne.edu/news/making-the-invisible-visible-wayne-state-professors-podcast-reveals-the-hidden-workings-of-schools-67984

A teacher who saw potential.

A student who found his purpose.

A mentoring relationship that grew into two transformational leaders serving Detroit and beyond.

In honor of National Mentoring Month, discover how these Wayne State College of Education alumni built a legacy of leadership, proving what’s possible when mentorship becomes a lighthouse for others.

👉 Read about their journey: https://education.wayne.edu/news/the-lighthouse-principals-two-detroit-educators-guiding-their-communities-to-leadership-and-legacy-67952

Wayne State University Wayne State University Alumni Association Wayne State University Organization of Black Alumni - OBA

College faculty and staff recently shared their time, talent, and treasures in support of one of our winter community engagement projects. Our goal was to assemble winter care bags for 40 residents at a local Neighborhood Services Organization senior apartment community. We prepared 85 bags that included hats, gloves, scarves, and snacks.

We delivered 40 to seniors. We also
spent time connecting with them; we shared smiles, played bingo, and created moments that reminded our seniors they are seen and valued.

We shared the remaining bags with individuals in need and The W Food Pantry and Thrift Shop on campus.

This season shows what’s possible when we come together with intention, joy, and generosity.

Happy Holidays, Warriors! Wishing you peace, joy, and moments that matter today and always. 🎁

The college's Center for Health and Community Impact is celebrating 14 years of partnering with Building Healthy Communities to help Michigan schools thrive!

Together with statewide partners, we’ve helped Michigan schools:
- Improve mental health for students and staff
- Increase physical activity by 700 steps per day
- Boost nutrition—40% more fruits and vegetables
- Enhance academic performance and focus

Learn how this partnership is transforming schools. Read the full story at education.wayne.edu/news/wayne-state-university-college-of-education-celebrates-14-years-of-partnering-with-building-healthy-communities-to-promote-health-and-well-being-in-michigan-schools-67666.

REMINDER: WEBINAR ON THURSDAY, DEC. 11 AT 7PM (ET)

🎓 Interested in a fully funded PhD in Special Education Leadership?

Join faculty from Wayne State University, the University of Kansas, and the University of Arizona for an informal Q&A Cafe! about the Collaborative Approaches to Impactful Special Education Leadership program. This is your chance to ask questions about the four-year collaborative PhD program.

Join us for a virtual Q&A Café to learn more: https://tinyurl.com/yur8kjwz

Visit education.wayne.edu/research/special-education-leadership to watch the recorded information and learn more about this transformative opportunity.