Dr. Dave Dagley’s remarkable career in education reflects a lifetime of dedication, leadership, and impactful contributions. Retiring as Professor Emeritus in August 2016, Dr. Dagley devoted 16 years to The University of Alabama’s College of Education, where he joined in 2000 as a Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy, and Technology Studies. Before arriving in Tuscaloosa, he served as an Associate Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Spanning over 44 years, Dr. Dagley’s career traversed diverse roles in education. He began as a public school teacher, advancing through positions such as assistant director of finance, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Transitioning to higher education, he made his mark as a lecturer, associate professor, and ultimately a full professor, shaping future leaders in the field.
Dr. Dagley’s influence extended well beyond the classroom. He served on the board of directors for the Education Law Association, chairing its publications committee, and played a pivotal role in the Author’s Committee for West’s Education Law Reporter. As a reviewer and editorial board member for prominent journals like the Journal of School Leadership, the UCEA Journal of Cases in Educational Leadership, and the Illinois School Law Quarterly, his insights enriched the educational discourse. Additionally, his membership in the Alabama State Bar Association highlighted his interdisciplinary expertise.
A prolific writer, Dr. Dagley authored articles for esteemed journals such as CLAS School Leaders, West’s Education Law Reporter, the Journal of Law and Education, and the Journal for a Just and Caring Education. He edited Contemporary Issues in Higher Education Law and contributed chapters to The Yearbook of Education Law, cementing his legacy as a thought leader in education law and policy.
Dr. Dagley’s mentorship was equally remarkable. He chaired 73 dissertation committees and contributed as a committee member for 76 more. A sought-after speaker, he led professional development sessions and training on subjects ranging from privacy rights for employees and students to superintendent law training, personnel management, and school administration.
His teaching portfolio was expansive, covering courses in educational leadership, law, school restructuring, personnel administration, multicultural education, and more. Dr. Dagley’s expertise transcended borders, taking him to Mexico, Paraguay, Israel, El Salvador, Chile, and Colombia to teach and share his knowledge.
Beyond teaching and scholarship, Dr. Dagley was an integral part of The University of Alabama’s academic and administrative community. He chaired the college-wide tenure and promotion committee, provided legal counsel to Alabama boards of education, and contributed to accreditation efforts as a consultant. Notably, he developed Alabama’s superintendent in-service training program to meet state requirements, leaving a lasting impact on educational leadership in the region.
Dr. Dagley’s academic journey reflects his relentless pursuit of excellence. He earned a B.S. in zoology with a minor in chemistry and an M.S.Ed. in educational administration from Southern Illinois University, a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Utah, and a J.D. from Samford University.