Kelly Olson Stewart, EdD, MEd

Dr. Kelly Stewart is an Associate Professor in the Global College of Professional Advancement, Division of Education Professions, and is the Department Head of Elementary, Secondary, and Higher Education Professions at the University of Arizona Global Campus. Kelly is the Co-Chair of the UAGC Faculty Council.  Prior to this role, she served as the Program Chair for the PhD in Education program, the Program Chair of the Master of Arts in Education (MAED) program, and as Core Faculty for the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction.  She has developed over 25 online courses across multiple programs. She earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Innovation with a specialization in Curriculum and Policy from Arizona State University, a Master of Education with a specialization in Educational Technology from the same institution, and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with an endorsement in K-12 Reading from Indiana University.

Dr. Stewart started her career in education as an EL teacher and substitute in South Bend, Indiana. She then taught middle school, which included teaching TV Studio and launching the school’s drama program, as well as coaching cheerleading. During this time, Dr. Stewart got engaged with brain research and its application to the classroom. She was asked to conduct professional development for teachers and was thrilled to find joy and purpose in working with both teachers and students. Kelly was well-known in the area, having formerly starred as the local NBC Pet of the Week girl for the local Humane Society, and then developing a news segment called “Ask the Teacher” on the local CBS affiliate. Upon moving to Arizona, Kelly was hired as a Curriculum and Technology Specialist and went on to work for another ten years in various roles, including staff developer, coach, adjunct professor, and district administrator. 
Her passion and focus have been on working with beginning teachers and developing sustainable systems for support and mentoring programs. Her area of research has been centered on recruitment and retention, particularly in addressing teacher shortages, as retaining the best teachers for students remains a challenge nationwide. Her research area of interest is online faculty retention and developing supportive communities to enhance their experience, providing resources and engagement. Dr. Stewart has been researching the impact of anti-transgender legislation on LGBTQ teens and support systems for LGBTQ crime victims.  Most recently, Dr. Stewart has been researching and presenting on creating strong trust and connection in online workplaces.

Dr. Stewart enjoys her work at UAGC, which allows her to combine her love of teaching, working with teachers, as well as researching, presenting, and writing.  “My favorite thing about UAGC is the perseverance and resiliency of the students. I love helping support students in their educational journey and engaging them in their quest to be the best professional and human they can be to continue making change in the world.” 

Dr. Stewart currently resides in the West Valley of Arizona with her husband, kids, one dog, and one turtle. Teaching and the kids’ theater activities consume most of Dr. Stewart’s time; however, she also enjoys traveling to faraway lands, returning to the Midwest to visit friends and family, reading, crafting, and exploring vintage markets. She is happiest with her family by her side and her toes in the sand.
 

Accomplishments

University Fellowship Program Grant Awardee-Primary Investigator: Culture of Care: Exploring Perceptions of Support from UAGC Doctoral Students 
Funded $5,325.00

University Fellowship Program Grant Awardee-Secondary Investigator: Preparing for the Oral Defense: Enhancing Doctoral Students’ Public Speaking Skills
Funded: $10,000

University Fellowship Program Grant Awardee-Primary Investigator: Development of a Virtual Professional Learning Community
Funded: $4446

University Fellowship Program Grant Awardee-Primary Investigator: Development of a College of Education Associate Faculty Support Model 
Funded: $3250
    
University Fellowship Program Grant Awardee-Co-Investigator with Dr. Amy Rogers: The Influence of Student-Instructor Relationships on Graduate Student Success
Funded: $600.00