Devin Kearns

Devin Kearns serves as the inaugural Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Early Literacy at North Carolina State University's College of Education, effective August 16, 2024. Previously, he was a Professor of Special Education at the University of Connecticut's Neag School of Education and a research scientist for Haskins Laboratories.

His academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Special Education from Vanderbilt University
• Master’s degree in Elementary Literacy and Language Arts from Loyola Marymount University

A nationally-recognized authority in literacy science, Kearns investigates the cognitive and neurobiological foundations of reading development, designs evidence-based instructional programs for elementary students, and implements multi-tiered support systems to enhance literacy outcomes—particularly for students with dyslexia and intensive academic needs. His community-engaged research directly informs classroom practices through demonstration lessons and educator coaching.

His scientific recognition includes:

• Windward Institute’s 2024 John J. Russell Award for Advocacy in Education

With seven years of K-12 classroom experience as a general-education teacher, literacy coach, and dyslexia specialist, Kearns has delivered professional development across the U.S. and internationally. His research program has secured sustained funding from the Institute of Education Sciences, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Education, and Connecticut State Department of Education.

At NC State, Kearns collaborates with literacy faculty and statewide partners to advance North Carolina's literacy initiatives through the Goodnight-endowed position established by Ann and Jim Goodnight.