College of Education & Human Development Professor Joyce Many has been named the Ferrer Endowed Professor of Multiple Literacies.
The intent of this professorship is to enable all students to navigate within and across literacies in the 21st century. It was made possible by generous support from College of Education & Human Development donors Brad and Patty Ferrer.
Over her career, Many has focused her teaching and research on children’s reading, writing and research processes and the ways teachers can scaffold literacy development in interdisciplinary settings. Her publications have appeared in Reading Research Quarterly, Reading Psychology, the Journal of Literacy Research, the Journal of Computer Science Education, the Journal of Online Learning and Research and the International Journal of Technology in Education. Her leadership has resulted in the development of two state-wide consortiums: the University System of Georgia’s Reading Consortium, which she directed from 1999-2009, and Georgia’s Teacher Education Research Consortium, which she facilitated from 2014-2019. These consortiums led to the creation of curriculum (Georgia’s reading endorsement), the development of online coursework for teachers, state-wide research projects and the establishment of a center focusing on supporting literacy teaching and learning.
Currently, Many’s research and teaching focuses on how to ensure education programs are preparing teachers for urban schools. This includes ensuring teachers understand the science of reading and can extend that understanding in middle and secondary content area classrooms by embracing digital, culturally responsive and critical literacies.
In addition to her research and scholarship, Many has served as a dissertation chair for more than 40 doctoral students and works with current and former students on her publications and presentations. She also works with undergraduate students enrolled in the college’s research internship course, which gives participants the chance to work with CEHD faculty on their research and gain a better understanding of research methodologies and outcomes.
“We hope that this professorship can be the centerpiece of our literacy education efforts in the College of Education & Human Development,” said Paul Alberto, dean of the college. “Brad and Patty Ferrer have been long-standing supporters of our college through their student scholarships, and we’re grateful for their generosity in endowing this new professorship.”