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Erik Malewski, Ph.D.

Dr. Erik MalewskiErik L. Malewski is Chief Diversity Officer and Professor of Curriculum Studies at Kennesaw State University. Prior to his appointment, Malewski was Associate Professor of Curriculum Studies at Purdue University where he conducted research and taught courses focused on diversity, multiculturalism, equity, and global issues in education. Malewski has held leadership roles in national and international research organizations and is well published in prominent journals and texts. He has worked in educational equity, private industry, social service, and diversity consulting prior to his role at Kennesaw State University.

As faculty, Malewski studied the effects of international cross-cultural experiences on undergraduate students’ cultural perceptions. He also engaged in synoptic study of the direction of the curriculum field and examined the implications of conceptions of ignorance for teaching and learning. Along with a colleague, Malewski developed a study abroad program in Honduras for teacher education students and a hybrid place- based and virtual field experience program. Under his mentorship, Malewski’s graduate students received national recognition for their research, including the prestigious American Educational Research Association’s Outstanding Dissertation of the Year Award. Malewski has published numerous books, articles, and chapters focused on domestic and international diversity issues.

Prior to his faculty appointment, Malewski served as the Senior Diversity Advocate within the Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity at Pennsylvania State University where he also taught courses in African and African American Studies and Health and Human Development. Prior to that he worked for Illinois Institute of Technology and Paul Robeson High School through a partnership grant focused on teaching graphic design to high school students. He also worked in private industry for AT&T as an organizational manager. Malewski arrived at Kennesaw State University in 2012 after a national search for a new head of diversity.

Originally from metropolitan Detroit, Malewski holds a doctorate in curriculum from Pennsylvania State University, where he also earned a Master’s in Higher Education Administration. His Bachelor’s in Interpersonal, Intercultural, and Organizational Communication is from Loyola University Chicago.