UHD : Center For Public Service & Community Outreach's Vitalvoices Spring Series Continues March 7

Press release from the University of Houston-Downtown:

February 28, 2022

In this vitalvoices forum, “Engaging Families & Communities in the Education Process” will feature University of Houston faculty members, Dr. Ruth M. Lopez and Dr. Rhoda Freelon, 5:30 – 7 p.m., Monday, March 7, College of Public Service, Room C100 or via Zoom.

For this March 7 event, Lopez and Freelon will share their approaches to teaching education leadership courses that aim to prepare educators to develop a strong sense of community in their schools and districts in a way that honors the assets of their students and families, particularly those from groups who have historically been disenfranchised in education.

Dr. Ruth M. Lopez is an assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies in UH’s College of Education. Her research agenda centers on examining the educational experiences, opportunities, and outcomes of students of color along the P-20 pipeline—specifically focusing on Latinx and immigrant students and families.

UH Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Dr. Rhoda Freelon’s research connects to two specific areas—the exploration of educational inequality rooted in various forms of systemic oppression and the democratic engagement of families and community members in the life of schools and district governance. Her work engages multiple methodological approaches with a focus on research that explores the possibilities of educational equity for historically marginalized populations.

“This approach to family engagement is critical in a time of intersecting societal crises—namely the COVID-19 pandemic, which has disproportionally impacted communities of color, and amid heightened instances of racial injustice,” said Steven Villano, Director of the Center for Public Service & Community Outreach. “We argue these events and other inequities impact the local issues and everyday practices of education leaders in communities, schools and districts. As a result, educators and other providers need to consider these issues to fully engage minoritized families and communities.”

To attend this event in person or via zoom, register online.

About the University of Houston-Downtown

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD)—the second largest university in Houston—has served the educational needs of the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1974.

As one of four distinct public universities in the University of Houston System, UHD is a comprehensive four-year university led by President Loren J. Blanchard. Annually, UHD educates more than 15,000 students; boasts more than 60,000 alumni and offers 45 bachelor’s, nine master’s degree programs and 16 fully online programs within five colleges (Marilyn Davies College of Business; Humanities & Social Sciences; Public Service, Sciences & Technology; and University College).

For the fourth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report ranks UHD among universities across the nation for Best Online Criminal Justice Programs (No. 27 and No. 15 for Veterans) and Best Online Bachelor’s Programs.

UHD has the most affordable tuition among four-year universities in Houston and one of the lowest in Texas. U.S. News ranked the University among Top Performers on Social Mobility and a No. 1 ranking as the most diverse institution of higher education in the southern region of the U.S. The University is noted nationally as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, Minority-Serving Institution and Military Friendly School. For more on the University of Houston-Downtown, visit www.uhd.edu.

This press release was produced by the University of Houston-Downtown. The views expressed here are the author’s own.