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Special Education

The Department of Special Education (and Multiple Abilities) serves, advocates, and seeks to enhance the quality of life for individuals, their families, educators, and employers by helping each student to realize their potential. Our ultimate goal is to instruct and equip teachers with knowledge using research-based practices that prepare them to meet the needs of student from birth into adulthood through home, school and community. Our department faculty, staff, and students conduct research and leverage evidence-based interventions and assessments to support collaborative, inclusive, equitable approaches across home, school, and community, with a focus on the strengths and needs of all children, students, educators, and families.

Department Head:  Dr. Nicole Swoszowski

Main Office:  201 Autherine Lucy Hall

Degrees

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION

  • Special Education
    • with certification in Collaborative Special Education
    • with certification in Early Childhood Special Education
    • with certification in Multiple Abilities Program 

MASTER OF ARTS

  • Special Education
    • with certification in Autism
    • with certification in Collaborative Special Education
    • with certification in Early Childhood Special Education
    • with certification in Gifted Education
    • with certification in Severe Disabilities

EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST

  • Special Education (online)
    • with certification in Collaborative Special Education
    • with certification in Early Childhood Special Education 
    • with certification in Gifted and Talented  

DOCTORAL DEGREES

CERTIFICATES

Important Links

Contacts

ProgramCoordinatorEmail
AutismDr. Lucy Barnard-Braklucy.barnard-brak@ua.edu
Collaborative SPE, UndergradDr. Amy Williamsonamwilliamson@ua.edu
Collaborative SPE, MASharron Maughnsmaughn@ua.edu
Collaborative SPE, EDSDr. Lucy Barnard-Braklucy.barnard-brak@ua.edu
Early Childhood Special EducationDr. Ragan McLeodrhmcleod@ua.edu
GiftedDr. Jennifer Jollyjjolly1@ua.edu
Multiple Abilities Program (MAP)Sharron Maughnsmaughn@ua.edu
Severe DisabilitiesDr. Kagendo Mutuakmutua@ua.edu
Doctoral ProgramsDr. Nicole Swoszowskinswosz@ua.edu

Faculty and Staff

  • Dr. Greg Benner

    Helen and Pat O’Sullivan Professor of Special Education, Implementation Science

  • Dr. Carol Donovan

    Professor, Literacy Education & MAP

  • Dr. Olivia R. Hester

    Clinical Research Assistant Professor

  • Dr. Kristine Jolivette

    Paul & Mary Harmon Bryant Professor of Special Education

  • Dr. Jennifer Jolly

    Professor, Gifted Education

    sabbatical fall 2023

  • Dr. Kristen Lamb

    Assistant Professor, Gifted Education

  • Dr. Ragan McLeod

    Associate Professor, Early Childhood Education

  • Dr. Kagendo Mutua

    Professor, Severe and Profound Disabilities

  • Dr. Kimberly Odom

    Clinical Assistant Research Professor, SPEMA

  • Dr. Courtney O’Grady

    Assistant Professor, Early Childhood & Early Intervention

  • Dr. Lauren Rollins

    Assistant Research Professor

  • Dr. Nicole Swoszowski

    Department Head and Professor, Multiple Abilities Program

    Nicole Swoszowski

  • Dr. Kimberly Tomeny

    Clinical Associate Professor, Early Childhood Special Education

    Kimberly-Tomeny

  • Delores Willis

    Administrative Assistant II