Shirley Lefever

Shirley Lefever is Executive Vice President and Provost at Wichita State University and Distinguished Research Professor. Her scholarship focuses on teacher preparation models, particularly Professional Development Schools bridging university and K-12 institutions.

She developed urban-serving teacher preparation programs recognized by Council of Great City Schools and Association of Teacher Educators. Professional service includes presidency of national teacher education association and state curriculum committees.

Lefever earned her PhD from Kansas State University, with prior classroom teaching experience informing her work on practice-based teacher development. Research examines cultural groups, identity formation, and pedagogical innovations.