Mark Gonzales

Dr. Mark Gonzales is a full-time Assistant Professor in the Graduate Educational Leadership program at Carson-Newman University's College of Professional Studies. Previously, he held roles as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development and served as Director of Certification at the University of Texas at Arlington. He has extensive experience in K-12 education as an instructor, counselor, and administrator across Texas and now focuses on graduate-level education leadership training in Tennessee.

He holds a Doctorate of Education from Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, a Master of Education from Sul Ross State University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Angelo State University.

His research interests emphasize educational policy, leadership practices, and community-school engagement. His work with a Vanderbilt research group earned the 2015 Alan C. Purves Award for a study deemed impactful for educational practice. He advises Ed.D. students and teaches courses like Foundations of Leadership and Professional Learning Communities. Beyond academia, he enjoys golfing, live music, and spending time with his family.