June 10, 2020
Mary Earick
Las Vegas, N.M. – Mary Earick is the new dean of the School of Education at New Mexico Highlands University after a national search.
Earick comes to Highlands July 1 from Plymouth State University in New Hampshire, where she has served as the director for the Holmes Center for School Partnerships and Educator Preparation since 2017 and is a full research professor.
“This new position at Highlands meets every goal I have aspired to achieve in developing educational pathways toward equitable schools,” Earick said. “I have dedicated my life as an educator to issues of equity and social justice.”
Earick has identified a top goal for her tenure with the School of Education at Highlands.
“My highest priority is to help prepare educators who are culturally sustaining learners, leaders and activists. I want to lead through service,” Earick said.
Earick earned her Ph.D. in language, literacy and sociocultural studies from the University of New Mexico. She earned her master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University in elementary education (K-8).
“At the University of New Mexico, I had the opportunity to be a senior educational consultant with the Family Development Program across the state of New Mexico. My children were born in New Mexico and my husband is a native New Mexican. I am privileged to be coming home. It’s invigorating to be joining the Highlands family.”
“What stands out for me about Dr. Earick is her experience in the classroom and her work at the state and university levels, which will allow us to prepare educators in a holistic manner,” said Roxanne Gonzales, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Highlands. “We welcome her to the Highlands University family and the community of Las Vegas.”
From 2013 to 2016, Earick worked for the New Hampshire Department of Education as the administrator for the Bureau of Integrated Programs. As bureau chief, she oversaw federal K-16 programs such as Title I, Homeless and Migrant Education, and Math Science Partnerships.
Previously, Earick was a tenured education faculty member at Plymouth State University from 2009 until 2014. Her first college teaching position was with the education faculty at the University of South Carolina from 2006 to 2009.
“The most important thing I learned as a faculty member is the power of collectivism in moving forward with transformation in education,” Earick said.
Since 2015, Earick has served the U.S. Department of Justice as a litigation consultant with a focus on race, class, culture, inclusive practices and equity education.
Earick published her first book in 2009 with Peter Lang Publishing titled, Racially Equitable Teaching: Beyond the Whiteness of Professional Development for Early Childhood Educators. It was based upon her doctoral dissertation.
“My research focuses upon the development of equitable educational opportunities for children and youth,” Earick said.
Earick has also published in academic journals such as the International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education and Diaspora, Indigenous and Minority Education: An International Journal.
Erick has won a number of awards for her research such as a Faculty Research and Creativity Award from Plymouth State University in 2019.
Earick began her career in education as a public-school teacher in early childhood education and middle school science in New Hampshire from 1992 to 2000. During this time, writing projects included being a contributor to 40 Ways to Raise Non-Racist Children, a book aimed at classroom teachers.
“Being a classroom teacher taught me that public schools play a vital role in the fabric of the community,” Earick said.