ISRS 2024 Keynote Speaker: Dr. Christopher Span

Dr. Christopher M. Span is a distinguished scholar, historian, educator, and higher education administrator whose expertise spans the fields of history and education policy. An Illinois alumnus, earning his Ph.D. from the College of Education in 2001, Dr. Span currently serves as Dean of the Graduate School of Education at Rutgers University.

He held several prominent administrative roles at the University of Illinois over the past decade, including serving as Chief of Staff and Associate Chancellor for Administration and PreK-12 Initiatives, where he oversees strategic initiatives and fosters collaborations to advance the university’s mission. For over a decade, he served as Associate Dean of the College of Education, where his leadership was instrumental in shaping curricular development and overseeing student affairs. Additionally, he served as the Faculty Athletics Representative for the university and the prestigious Big Ten Conference, demonstrating his dedication to academic and athletic excellence.

His scholarly pursuits center on the educational history of African Americans, particularly during the 19th century. He is widely recognized as a leading authority in this field and has authored several influential works, including From Cotton Field to Schoolhouse: African American Education in Mississippi, 1862-1875. He co-edited Using Past as Prologue: Contemporary Perspectives on African American Educational History and has contributed numerous articles and book chapters. In addition to his scholarly contributions, Dr. Span has been actively involved in professional organizations dedicated to studying educational history. Through his research, teaching, and leadership, Dr. Span continues to make profound contributions to the field of education, enriching our understanding of the past while informing the future of education policy and practice.