Building a Better Alabama, Deep South, and Nation
The Education Policy Center is the oldest center or institute at The University of Alabama, established in 1924. Through its ongoing research and programs, it seeks to assist the College of Education in fulfilling its mission to improve the quality of life for all Alabamians through expanding access to education and advancing economic and community development.
Today, the Center continues this legacy by connecting education research to educators, policymakers, and communities shaping education in Alabama and beyond.
Meet Our Team
The dedicated professionals working to make a difference in our community.
LEADERSHIP
Executive Team
Our executive team guiding the organization’s mission and
setting the strategic direction for lasting community impact.
Nathaniel J. Bray
DirectorNathaniel J. Bray is a Professor of Higher Education Administration and Director of the Education Policy Center at The University of Alabama. He joined UA as an Assistant Professor in 2004, was promoted to Associate Professor in 2010, and to Professor in 2018.
STAFF & ASSOCIATES
Our Team
The dedicated professionals behind our day-to-day work,
delivering programs and services across every area of our mission.
FELLOWS
Center Fellows
Fellows play a direct and active role in the Center’s research agenda,
contributing original scholarship, data analysis, and policy work across
our core focus areas. Fellowship designations include Research Fellows,
Doctoral Research Fellows, and other appointments reflecting the fellow’s
specific role and level of engagement with the Center’s work.
EXPERTS
Scholars & Practitioners
Scholars and practitioners advancing research across key policy areas,
bringing evidence-based insights to the challenges that matter most.
A
Lucas Adair
Senior Advisor for Governmental Affairs and Economic DevelopmentBradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Dr. F. King Alexander
Professor, Educational Leadership | Former University PresidentMurray State University, California State University-Long Beach, Louisiana State University, Florida Gulf Coast University
D
Dr. James E. “Skip” Dotherow
Former Rotary Club District GovernorAuburn University, University of Oregon, McMurry University
Dr. Arthur N. Dunning
Former University PresidentAlbany State University
G
Phil Grant Jr.
Associate Professor, Educational and Organizational Leadership DevelopmentClemson University
Jeff Gray, Ph.D.
Director, Professor, Computer ScienceThe University of Alabama, Code.org Education Advisory Council, Randall Research Scholars
H
Matthew Holt, Ph.D.
Professor and Head, Department of Agriculture and Applied EconomicsVirginia Tech
J
Dr. Brian K. Johnson
President, CEOAdvance Higher Ed, LLC
K
Dr. Stephen G. Katsinas
Former Director of Education Policy CenterThe University of Alabama, University of North Texas, University of Toledo, Oklahoma State University, Miami-Dade College, Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
Dr. Patrick J. Kelly
Education and Workforce AlignmentAlabama Commission on Higher Education
Jonathan Koh, Ph.D.
PresidentShelton State Community College
L
Dr. Vince Lacey
Former Director of Computer Assisted InstructionSouthern Illinois University – Carbondale
S
Louis Shedd, Ph.D.
Director of Institutional Effectiveness & ResearchShelton State Community College
Chris Shropshire, Ed.D.
Program Officer, Family Economic DevelopmentProgram Officer, Family Economic Development
