Kristy Brugar

Kristy Brugar is a Professor and Department Chair of the Department of Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum at the University of Oklahoma’s Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education from Michigan State University. Prior roles include Assistant Professor at Wayne State University and middle school social studies teacher in Maryland and Michigan.

Education

• Ph.D. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Teacher Education (Michigan State University)

Research Interests

Dr. Brugar focuses on elementary social studies education, interdisciplinary approaches integrating history, literacy, and visual arts, and teacher development. Her work emphasizes innovative pedagogical strategies to enhance student engagement in social studies contexts.

Awards & Recognition

• 2017 OU Jeanine Rainbolt College of Education Junior Faculty Award
• 2017 National Council for the Social Studies Early Career Award
• 2018 OU Huddleston Presidential Professorship

Leadership & Service

Appointed Department Chair in July 2020, she leads curricular and academic initiatives in instructional leadership. Her professional service includes contributions to teacher education and educational policy.