Cris Mayo

Dr. Cris Mayo is a Professor of Education, Program Coordinator for the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies Program, and Vice Chair of the Department of Education at the University of Vermont. Their research focuses on queer and transgender pedagogies, gender and sexuality studies in education, and philosophical critiques of educational policies. Mayo holds a Ph.D. in Education Policy Studies/Educational Philosophy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, alongside an M.A. in Education and a B.A. in History and Women’s Studies from SUNY Albany.

Mayo’s work emphasizes intersectional approaches to education, particularly addressing LGBTQ+ youth, racial justice, and anti-transphobic policies. They have authored numerous books and articles, including LGBTQ Youth and Education: Policies and Practices and co-edited collections. Mayo currently serves as editor-in-chief of the Oxford Encyclopedia on Gender and Sexuality in Education and associate editor of Educational Theory.

Their articles frequently explore themes of gender equity, school policies affecting marginalized groups, and the ethical dimensions of pedagogy. Mayo’s recent work critiques systemic biases in education systems and advocates for inclusive practices through queer and transgender frameworks.

• Awards: Critics’ Choice Book Award (2014, 2008), AERA Queer SIG Body of Work Award (2014), and multiple teaching awards.
• Leadership: Previously directed the LGBTQ+ Center and Women's and Gender Studies at West Virginia University.
• Grants: Not explicitly listed in the text, but their research likely involves institutional or federal funding for equity initiatives.
• Labs/Teams: Leads interdisciplinary teams at UVM and collaborates with editorial boards to advance gender and sexuality studies.