Wanda J. Blanchett

Wanda J. Blanchett was appointed Dean of the Rutgers Graduate School of Education (GSE) in 2014 where she is also a tenured Distinguished Professor. Previously, Blanchett served as the Interim Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Rutgers University—New Brunswick. Prior to coming to Rutgers, Blanchett served as the Kauffman Endowed Chair in Teacher Education and Dean of the School of Education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Blanchett’s research focuses on issues of educational inequity including urban teacher preparation, issues of race, class, culture, and gender, disproportionate representation of students of color in special education, and issues of sexuality for students with disabilities. She has published numerous articles and book chapters as well as co-edited two books. Her research and perspectives on the impact of COVID on all students, and especially, students of color, students with disabilities, and student at the intersection have been shared in interviews on National Public Radio (NPR) and in Rolling Stone Magazine. Now in her 32nd year as an educator, Blanchett is a veteran educator who is committed to Advancing Excellence and Equity in Education. She is a Past Chair of the Board of Directors of the American Association for Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE) and has served numerous professional and community service entities in elected and appointed roles.