About the College of Education and Human Development


Engaging a Great University with Great Partners

A student teacher leads a class at one of our collaborative school partnersEngagement between a great research University and strong local, state, national, and international partners will be the lens through which programs will be viewed to determine distinctiveness. Professional Distinction is achieved when outstanding learning and leadership are seen in these three area: Programs, Students, and Faculty. The outcomes of this work will be: prepared, able and responsive professionals; interdependent professional communities of learners focused on transformation and reform; and sustainable partnerships that cross over perceived boundaries to address educational and community challenges.


Program Highlights

  • The College of Education and Human Development offers a Doctor of Education with a major in Educational Innovation and is a member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate. The first cohort graduated in 2018.
  • The College of Education and Human Development collaborates with a Partner School Network (PSN) for field experiences and clinical practices. The PSN is comprised of 59 schools in 7 school systems and is a collaborative entity that maximizes the learning experiences for candidates and P-12 students.
  • The Augusta University Literacy Center delivers literacy-related community services to the Augusta area.
  • The College of Education and Human Development is a National Writing Project site offering summer immersive writing experiences for teachers to affect the teaching of writing in their schools.
  • Numerous Teacher of the Year awards for alumni, many of whom teach in area counties such as Richmond, Columbia, Burke, or McDuffie.
  • The College of Education and Human Development offers a fully online M.Ed. Educational Leadership Program, M.Ed. in Instruction, M.S. in Kinesiology, Ed.S. in Advanced Educational Studies, and Ed.S. in Educational Leadership. Endorsements in Reading and STEM are also 100% online.
  • The Student Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) supports future educators and other Augusta University students who are interested in working with individuals with disabilities. The CEC is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.

Distinction Areas

  1. Programs of Distinction
    • Ensure both quality and quantity of their students
    • Meet clearly identified needs of the CSRA
    • Have excellent retention and completion rates
    • Document excellent employment and retention rates
    • Prepare students to be agents for transformation and reform
    • Receive state, national, international recognitions
    • Maintain accreditation and specialized program approvals
    • Collaborate across disciplines and colleges
  2. Students and Graduates of Distinction
    • Demonstrate the ability to respond to needs present in the changing demographics of the CSRA Central Savannah River Area and beyond
    • Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in high need areas
    • Receive honors and recognitions in the public and private sectors
    • Assume roles of leadership in their respective disciplines at the local, state, national, and international levels
  3. Faculty of Distinction
    • Are engaged in collaborative relationships with local, state, national, and international partners
    • Exhibit leadership that has a positive impact at local, state, national, and international levels
    • Provide leadership in state, national, and international professional organizations
    • Demonstrate excellent teaching based upon best practice and research
    • Are active in discipline specific scholarship and research

Follow the College of Education and Human Development! instagram icon twitter icon facebook icon 

Notable Alumni

  • Anton Anthony Author of a guide to educational reform, "Loving Education: Restoring the Heart of Education," and a children's book, "I Don't Like School.”
  • Dr. Sandra CarrawaySuperintendent of Columbia County Schools beginning summer 2013.
  • Dr. Melinda CobbFirst female principal of Richmond Academy since 1783; now Associate Superintendent of Academic Services for Richmond County School System.
  • Elesha EllisonNamed 2021 statewide School Counselor of the Year by the Palmetto State School Counselor Association
  • Linda Fountain Winner of National Science Teacher of the Year (2010); 2012 and 2013 Recipient of the Teaching Causes Learning Grant
  • Dr. Kevin Frazier Vice Dean of the Dental College of Georgia; former Vice President for AU Student Services/Student Affairs
  • Jason Fulmer2004 South Carolina Teacher of the Year; 2004 National Teacher of the Year Finalist
  • Dr. Paulette Harris Cree-Walker Endowed Professor of Education, founder and director of the AU Literacy Center, three-time graduate of AU
  • Dr. LaMonica HillmanAssistant Superintendent of Richmond County Schools in charge of Student Services
  • Dr. Jason Holt Winner of the Inez Tenenbaum Award from the S.C. State Department of Education; winner of the JAG20 Alumni Emerging Leader Award; now principal of Aiken High School
  • Dr. Molly Howard Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools; recipient of the Georgia Association of Georgia Association of Educational Leaders’ Jim Puckett Award
  • Andrew HromyakRegion 8 Chair GA School Counselor Association; published “GA411” in The Beacon (GASC journal)
  • Matt Johann Assistant Director of Student Services for Richmond County Schools
  • Sabrina Jones Winner of 2016 Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation Georgia Teaching Fellowship
  • Andre Benito Mountain Author of "Remixing the Principalship," "The Mountain Principles: Lessons on Leading & Learning," and "The Brilliance Beneath." Principal of Marbut Traditional Theme School in metro-Atlanta.
  • Dr. Simona Murph Principal Scientist at Savannah River National Lab; named by the U.S. Department of Energy as an Inspirational Woman in STEM
  • Dr. Beth Murray-Pendergraft Chair of the Department of Teaching and Leading at AU
  • Dr. Steven PageChair of the Department of Kinesiology at Augusta University and recipient of PRESTIGE Grant.
  • April SikesEarned PhD in Counselor Education from Old Dominion University; serves as a Georgia School Counselor
  • Dr. Keith ThompsonDr. Keith Thompson was named 2021 Georgia Middle School Principal of the Year by the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals (GASSP).
  • Cynthia WalleyEarned PhD in Counselor Education; is now Counselor Education faculty at Mercy College, NY 

College History

2012 - The College of Education is reaccredited by NCATE and the GaPSC.

2006 – 2007 - Counselor Education program earns the CACREP accreditation. A new Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree is also offered.  In 2007, the Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology is approved.

2004 - The College of Education is reaccredited by the NCATE and the GaPSC.

1996 – 1998 - The School of Education reorganizes into three departments: Teacher Education; Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Special Education; and Kinesiology and Health Science.

1990 - The Physical Education/Athletic Complex opens. A Master’s degree with a major in health and physical education is approved.

1981 – 1982 - The Board of Regents approves the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree 1981; the college awards its first Ed.S. in 1982.

1971 – 1973 - The Board of Regents authorizes the college to grant Master of Education (M.Ed.) degrees in 1971; the college awards its first M.Ed. in 1973.

1968 - The Board of Regents authorizes programs leading to the Bachelor of Science in Education degree.