Lesa Brand

Lesa Brand is an Assistant Professor of Education and Director of the Ed.D. Program at Rockhurst University, located in Kansas City. She holds a Ph.D. in Education Studies and Qualitative Analysis, alongside degrees in psychology, elementary education, and middle level education.

Previously, Dr. Brand taught middle school in Omaha for 26 years before early retirement in 2022. She served as an adjunct professor at Peru State College, College of St. Mary, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Midland University for nearly two decades. Her current role at Rockhurst emphasizes fostering inclusive doctoral education and addressing systemic racism through academic advocacy.

Research interests include improving doctoral program experiences, promoting equity in education, and leveraging qualitative methods for social change. Dr. Brand relocated to Kansas City to be closer to family, where she now leads the Ed.D. program with a focus on community engagement and transformative educational practices.