Lisa Harrison

Lisa Harrison, Ph.D., is Dean of the Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education at Ohio University and Professor of Teacher Education. An internationally recognized scholar and leader in middle level education, her work has advanced understanding of early adolescence, young adolescents' in- and out-of-school experiences, and the preparation of middle grades educators. Her scholarship examines how schools, teacher education programs, and educational leaders can create learning environments that are academically rigorous, culturally sustaining, and developmentally responsive to the diverse strengths and identities of young adolescents.

Through her scholarship, editorial leadership, and professional service, Harrison has helped shape contemporary conversations about middle level education and educator preparation. As co-editor of Middle School Journal, she has championed scholarship that bridges research and practice while elevating evidence-based approaches that strengthen teaching, learning, and school improvement in the middle grades. She has co-authored and co-edited several books and published numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and professional publications that have informed middle grades education, teacher preparation, and culturally responsive practices.

Beyond her scholarly contributions, Harrison has established a national reputation as a collaborative and visionary educational leader committed to strengthening educator preparation and expanding educational opportunity. She has served in numerous leadership roles within higher education and national professional organizations, including Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) and Chair of the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Middle Level Education Research Special Interest Group. Through these roles, she has helped shape national research agendas, professional standards, and strategic priorities that influence the preparation and professional learning of middle grades educators. Her contributions have been recognized through honors including the Vincent A. Anfara, Jr. Outstanding Middle Level Education Research Award and the John H. Lounsbury Award for Distinguished Achievement in Middle Level Education.