Daniel J. Higgins, Ph.D., Department Chair; Director of Educational Leadership Program

Higgins earned his Ph.D. at Texas A&M University. In addition to working extensively with student teachers, he teaches in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. Holding teaching, principal and superintendent certifications, Higgins has 23 years of experience as a secondary teacher and principal. At the university level, Dr. Higgins has been awarded the St. Mary’s University Alumni Association’s Distinguished Faculty Award for excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Dorothy Smith, Ph.D., Director of Elementary Education

Smith arned a Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Austin. A specialist in elementary education, special education and reading instruction, she has 24 years of experience in the school setting, including 12 as a classroom teacher and 12 as a reading specialist. She helped develop the interdisciplinary elementary certification programs and has worked extensively on the Department's development of curriculum, integration of standards and student preparation for EC-4 credentialing exams.

Neva Ann Medcalf Davenport, Ed.D., Director of the Graduate Reading Program

Davenport earned her Ed.D. at the University of New Mexico. A former teacher and school principal, she specializes in reading instruction, testing, remediation and curriculum development. She is certified as a K-8 teacher, K-12 administrator and K-12 reading specialist. She teaches both graduate and undergraduate classes and supervises extensive field experience. Dr. Davenport integrates technology into teaching and conducts a summer reading camp for elementary-aged students. The camp provides a field-based opportunity for graduate students to work directly with elementary students who are acquiring and strengthening their reading skills.

Barry Crist, Ed.D., Certification Officer and Director of Student Teaching

Crist earned his Ed.D. at Texas A&M University. He teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses and has more than 30 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in public schools. Crist serves as faculty sponsor of the Department's student organization, Student Educator Association for dynamic Leadership (SEAL), and he is actively involved in maintaining and strengthening partnerships with the public and private schools.

Rev. Richard G. Wosman, S.M., Director of the Catholic School Leadership Program

Wosman will finish his Ph.D. studies at St. Louis University during the fall of 2008. A teacher and administrator in Catholic high schools for more than 20 years, Wosman teaches in both the undergraduate and graduate programs and continues to provide workshops for Catholic school teachers and administrators in San Antonio and around the country. His research focuses on the role of Catholic identity in all aspects of the school setting.

Tom DeKunder, Ed.D.

DeKunder, who is department liaison for off-campus programs, earned his Ed.D. at Texas A&M University and holds Texas teacher, mid-management and superintendent certifications. A former Texas public school teacher and administrator at both the elementary and secondary levels, DeKunder teaches graduate classes in the Education Leadership Program and supervises student teachers. DeKunder provides real-world experiences for his students by linking theory to practice.

Betty McClinton

McClinton, administrative technical assistant for the department, earned her B.A. from Incarnate Word College. An Army veteran with experience working in local colleges and universities, she serves as the Department's office manager and supervises work-study students.