��

Sheri Hardee, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Education/Professor

Newton Oakes Center, 127,

Overview

As the dean for the College of Education, Dr. Hardee provides leadership for the Social Foundations and Leadership Education Department; the Elementary and Special Education Department; the Middle, Secondary, and P12 Department; and the Appalachian Studies Center.

In terms of her focus for the College of Education, she is dedicated to increasing recruitment and retention of future teachers and leaders, fundraising for student scholarships and faculty research support, continuing to grow and support our current programs, and adding new innovative programs while strengthening community and educational partnerships.

Dr. Hardee received her Ph.D. in Social Foundations in Education from the University of South Carolina, and she also holds a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in English. Her research examines educational leadership and access to and support in institutions of higher education, starting with support provided within middle- and high-school environments. She has published articles in journals such as Teaching Education, Critical Questions in Education, Thresholds in Education, and The Journal of Education Foundations, along with several book chapters.

Statement on concerns about textbook

Recently, questions have been raised about a passage in a course textbook. After fully reviewing the concern, we want to be clear: the reference in question was not describing Christians or Christianity. The passage refers to an extremist group that misuses Christian symbols to promote hate.

In today’s world, misunderstandings can travel quickly. But our foundation at the University of North Georgia remains steady. We respect people of all beliefs. We reject hate. And we are committed to preparing students to think critically, lead with integrity, and serve in communities across our state, nation, and world.

Education is not about avoiding difficult words or ideas — it is about teaching students to navigate them with context, discernment, and respect. The world is complex, and we are developing students to lead in both these times and what lies ahead. That is what this course, and this university, are about.

We also recognize that learning and scholarship sometimes touch on sensitive, complex, or controversial ideas. That is not a weakness of higher education — it is its strength. Our responsibility is to provide the context, freedom, and support that allow both students and faculty to engage with these ideas thoughtfully. Academic freedom allows us to remain true to our values: protecting freedoms, honoring all beliefs, rejecting hate in every form, and preparing leaders who can meet a complex world with courage and integrity.

While one line in a textbook can get lost in translation, our values have never wavered. For 152 years, the University of North Georgia remains committed to building leaders through debate, dialogue, and learning. That is who we are. And that is what we will continue to do.