Erica Avent, Ed.D.

Assistant Professor of Teacher Education

Erica Avent currently serves as the Undergraduate Retention Coordinator for the Department of Teacher Education.  She coordinates the EdSparks Initiative for freshmen and sophomore education declared majors who will enter the teacher education program in their junior year. She earned her Ed.D. (2020), Ed.S (2011), M.A. (2007), and B.A. (2005) in Elementary Education & Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Mississippi. 

She has inspired and motivated the children of Mississippi public schools for 20 years as a classroom teacher in grades 3-6, school/district administrator, and Higher Education Instructor. Previously, Avent served as a board member of the Mississippi Association of Educators, a Mississippi trainer for the National Education Association Teacher Leadership Initiative, and a mentor teacher with the Mississippi Teacher Fellowship Program. Avent, a National Board-Certified Teacher, has expertise in community engagement, teacher mentorship, and student success in K12.

She is a veteran educator who has developed community initiatives and programs targeting the inclusiveness of African American students and communities. Her research focuses on
the barriers that African American students and teachers face in public education. She strives to diversify the teacher pipeline so that all students can see representations of African-American teachers in their schools.

Gender Studies -Related Research Interests: Women and K-12 Public Education, Representation of African American Women Educators and Administrators within K-12 Public Education