Keonya Booker

Dr. Keonya Booker serves as Associate Professor of Educational Psychology and Associate Dean of the Graduate School at the College of Charleston. With dual appointments in the School of Education and the Graduate School, her work bridges academic instruction and institutional leadership. She joined the College in 2013 as an adjunct faculty member before transitioning to a tenure-track role in 2014.

Holding a B.A. and M.Ed. from William & Mary and a Ph.D. in Education from UNC Chapel Hill, her expertise spans educational psychology, measurement, and evaluation. Her professional responsibilities include curriculum review, graduate program assessment, advising the Graduate Student Association, and teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses.

Her research focuses on classroom belonging, culturally responsive teaching, mentoring strategies, and equity in education. Notable themes include African American student experiences, special education equity, and fostering inclusive learning environments. She was nominated for the 2019 College of Charleston Distinguished Teaching Award, reflecting her commitment to pedagogical excellence.

Dr. Booker’s academic contributions include over 20 peer-reviewed articles addressing topics like teacher-student relationships, diversity training outcomes, and mentoring practices in post-pandemic academia. She actively participates in institutional initiatives promoting social-emotional learning and has contributed to policy discussions around urban education and special needs inclusion.