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School of Education Welcomes New Faculty in Fall 2023

08/24/2023

ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø’s School of Education is pleased to welcome five new faculty members who joined SLU this semester.  

We are pleased to have this dynamic group of educators join the School of Education. They bring a breadth of expertise that will enhance our students’ experiences in the classroom and in the field, and we will need them as we welcome our largest new undergraduate class in more than a decade."

Gary Ritter, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Education

The new faculty members include: Kristi Baker Patterson, Ph.D.; Benton Brown, Ph.D.; Jeannine Butler, Ed.D.; Sheldon McAfee, Ed.D.; Carolyn O’Laughlin, Ph.D.

Kristi Baker Patterson, Ph.D., has been appointed assistant professor in teacher education/special education. Baker Patterson earned her bachelor of science degree in elementary education from University of Houston and her master of education degree and doctorate degree from Southern Methodist University’s Simmons School of Education and Human Development in Dallas. Joining SLU from ALLMemphis, Inc., where she was the director of curriculum and instruction, Baker Patterson will teach undergraduate courses in special education. Her research interests primarily focus on the school and teacher-level factors and interventions that best support minority students’ reading growth through increasing access to quality and equitable educational opportunities and maximizing learning outcomes.

Benton Brown, Ph.D., has been appointed assistant dean for teacher education in the School of Education. Brown earned his bachelor of arts degree in political science and sociology from The George Washington University, his master of science degree in community and economic development from the University of Central Arkansas, and his doctorate in public policy, K-12 education policy from University of Arkansas. Joining SLU from Utah Valley University, where he was the assistant dean of the School of Education, Brown will lead the teacher education programs and teach undergraduate courses. Before Utah Valley University, he held leadership roles in education at Bath Spa University – UK and for the National Accreditation Board – Government of Ghana. His research interests include the impact of diverse teachers on student perspectives and achievement, the impact of global experiences on pre-service teachers, and assessing quality in teacher education programs.

Jeannine Butler, Ed.D., has been appointed assistant professor in teacher education. Butler earned her bachelor of science degree in speech and language pathology from Southern Illinois University, her master of arts degree in special education from Fontbonne University, and her doctorate in leadership in teaching and learning from Missouri Baptist University. She joins SLU as a full-time faculty member after teaching as a visiting assistant professor of special education in ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø’s School of Education last year. Butler will teach undergraduate courses and develop an online program for education paraprofessionals seeking an undergraduate degree. Her practice areas include methods of creative arts and movement and families as educational partners.  

Sheldon McAfee, Ed.D., has been appointed assistant professor in teacher education/elementary education. McAfee earned his bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Alabama State University, his master of public administration degree from Auburn University - Montgomery, his master of education degree in educational administration from University of Missouri – St. Louis, and his doctorate in educational leadership K-12 from Maryville University. He joins SLU as a full-time faculty member after teaching as an adjunct faculty member in ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø’s School of Education. McAfee will teach undergraduate courses. His research interests focus on the impact of trauma on school-age children, how community can help blunt the impact of trauma on school-age children, and the benefits of anti-racist education on school-age children.

Carolyn O’Laughlin, Ph.D., has been appointed assistant professor in the School of Education. O’Laughlin earned her bachelor of arts degree in communication studies and women’s studies from Marquette University, her master of arts degree in student affairs administration from Michigan State University, and her doctorate in higher education administration from Saint Louis University. Joining SLU full-time after teaching as an adjunct faculty member in ÀÏ˾»ú¸£ÀûÍø’s School of Education, O’Laughlin will teach primarily in the undergraduate university core. She will also teach higher education administration courses. Her research interests focus on autistic college student experience; challenging assumptions of autistic and neurodivergent social cognition; multimodal qualitative research methods; and using critical theory to reimagine issues of college student belonging and persistence.