Jerome E. Morris, an esteemed scholar in urban education, has been recently elected as the president-elect of the American Educational Research Association (AERA), highlighting his significant contributions to the field. Morris, who serves as the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of Urban Education at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, will join the AERA Council in 2025–2026, with his presidency officially commencing after the association’s 2026 Annual Meeting. His path to this esteemed position reflects not only his academic prowess but also his profound commitment to addressing issues of equity and opportunity in education.
Morris’s upbringing provides a rich backdrop to his research focus. Growing up in public housing and attending predominantly Black public schools in Birmingham, Alabama, he draws upon personal experiences to inform his study of educational disparities related to race, social class, and geographic factors. This, coupled with his background as a middle school teacher and a founder of a rites of passage program, solidifies his understanding of the complexities surrounding educational equity. His work emphasizes the importance of forming authentic partnerships with marginalized communities and schools that often grapple with a lack of resources.
The implications of Morris’s research are far-reaching and significant. His latest publication, “Central City’s Joy and Pain: Solidarity, Survival, and Soul in a Birmingham Housing Project,” showcases the resilience of public housing residents striving to maintain their community amid challenging socio-economic conditions. By blending historical and sociological perspectives with his own narrative, Morris has created a work that not only informs but also resonates personally with readers, illustrating the real-life impact of educational inequities on residents of urban environments.
Throughout his nearly thirty-year career, Morris has held positions as a tenured professor at the University of Georgia and was a Fellow at the Institute for Behavioral Research at UGA. His extensive experience in academia is marked by an ongoing commitment to producing research that aligns with the needs and voices of underserved populations. He is not just a scholar; he is an advocate for systemic change in the educational landscape, focusing particularly on the unique challenges faced by Black children and their families.
Morris has authored another influential work, “Troubling the Waters: Fulfilling the Promise of Quality Public Schooling for Black Children,” in which he critiques the educational systems in place and advocates for improvements that address historical injustices faced by Black students. His extensive publication history includes contributions to leading research journals such as the American Educational Research Journal, Educational Researcher, Review of Research in Education, and Teachers College Record, adding credence to his authority in the field.
His leadership within the AERA since 1995 underlines Morris’s dedication to advancing educational research and policy. His induction as an AERA Fellow in 2022 and his election as Division G’s vice-president for 2020–2023 reflect his peers’ recognition of his contributions. Through various roles, including service on AERA’s Executive Board and as a council liaison to the Journal Publications Committee, Morris has played a key role in shaping discussions that influence educational research.
As he prepares to take on the role of AERA president in 2026, Morris will succeed Maisha T. Winn, an accomplished academic in her own right and the current excellence in learning professor at Stanford University. Winn’s presidency, which will begin on April 27, 2025, marks a critical transition, as the association looks to leverage the achievements and insights of both leaders to further its mission of enhancing educational research and practice.
In addition to Morris’s election, several other esteemed scholars have been elected to the AERA Council in various capacities. Among the Council Members-at-Large elected for the 2025–2026 term are Yolanda Sealey-Ruiz from Teachers College, Columbia University, and Dawn Williams from Howard University. Their inclusion reflects a commitment to diverse perspectives within the educational research community.
The educational research landscape will also see new division vice presidents-elect introduced in 2026. Roland Sintos Coloma from Wayne State University will lead Division B focusing on curriculum studies, while Yoon Pak from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will take charge of Division F, which specializes in history and historiography. Additionally, Thandeka K. Chapman of the University of California–San Diego will lead Division G, which concentrates on the social context of education, while Jennifer L. Whitson from Alexandria City Public Schools will oversee Division H concerning research, evaluation, and assessment in schools. These appointments signify a period of renewal and innovation within AERA’s leadership.
Omi Salas-SantaCruz from the University of Utah has been elected as chair-elect of the Special Interest Groups Executive Committee. Beginning in 2025–2026, Salas-SantaCruz will play a pivotal role in promoting the interests of various educational research groups, ensuring their voices are heard within the broader context of AERA’s activities.
Furthermore, the Graduate Student Council has elected Edith P. Middleton, a doctoral student at Teachers College, Columbia University, as chair-elect. Middleton’s leadership will be vital in bridging the gap between emerging scholars and established researchers, encouraging a spirit of collaboration and mentorship within the field of education research.
The newly announced AERA election results are a testament to the evolving nature of educational research, reflecting a commitment to diversity, equity, and excellence. As researchers and educators continue to navigate the complexities of educational systems, the elected leaders within AERA, including Jerome E. Morris, are poised to influence positive changes that can shape the future of education for all students, particularly those from historically marginalized backgrounds.
The importance of this leadership is underscored by the increasingly complex challenges facing educational institutions in the United States and beyond. Issues of institutional racism, social inequality, funding disparities, and the urgent need for reform continue to dominate discussions in the realm of education. Morris and his fellow elected leaders are charged with tackling these pressing issues, fostering a scholarly community that advocates for a more equitable educational landscape.
Moreover, as Morris embarks on this significant leadership role, the interconnectedness of his personal experiences and professional expertise provides a unique lens through which he can advocate for policies that support greater equity and access in education. His voice, shaped by experience and scholarship, will be crucial in addressing the needs of low-resource communities, driving home the message that the geography of opportunity must expand to include all students regardless of their background.
As the AERA navigates into this new era under the leadership of Morris and his peers, the focus remains on fostering an environment where research can directly contribute to meaningful change in educational practices, policies, and outcomes. Their work will rely heavily on collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and community members, ensuring that voices from all sides are integrated into the discourse around educational reform.
The impact of Morris’s presidency is anticipated to ripple across the educational landscape, fostering a renewed commitment to exploring the nuances of learning experiences in urban environments, particularly among historically marginalized populations. This focus reflects a broader recognition that understanding the diverse educational experiences of all students is essential to developing solutions that foster genuine opportunities for academic success.
As Morris looks ahead to his presidency, he remains steadfast in his belief that education must serve as a mechanism for liberation. His ongoing dedication to equitable education affirms that the work of researchers and educators must be grounded in the realities faced by communities they serve, underscoring the principle that access to quality education is a fundamental right for all children.
In summary, the election of Jerome E. Morris as president-elect of AERA is more than just a noteworthy update in academic circles; it’s a significant milestone in the ongoing journey toward equity and inclusion in education. As he steps into this role, Morris carries with him a wealth of knowledge and an unwavering commitment to advocate for systemic change, making him a vital leader for our times.
Subject of Research: Educational equity and the impact of socio-economic factors on learning environments.
Article Title: Jerome E. Morris Elected President-Elect of AERA: A New Era for Educational Equity.
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Keywords: Educational Research, Equity, Social Justice, Urban Education, AERA Leadership, Jerome E. Morris, Black Education, Public Housing, Educational Access, Community Engagement, Systemic Change, Curriculum Studies.
