Steve Desir

Steve Desir is an Assistant Professor of Research at the University of Southern California, affiliated with both the Pullias Center for Higher Education and the USC Race and Equity Center. He currently serves as Director of Professional Development and Organizational Learning for the Equity in Graduate Education Resource Center at USC.

• Doctor of Education, Higher Education, Harvard University
• Master of Education, Education Policy and Management, Harvard University
• Master of Arts, Secondary Education, New York University
• Bachelor of Science, Economics and Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, Pennsylvania State University

His research focuses on racial equity in higher education and K-12 settings, examining how social psychology and organizational theory can improve educational outcomes for minoritized groups. He has collaborated with state education departments, nonprofits, and school districts on equity initiatives.

Key publication themes include holistic admissions reform, equity-minded organizational practices, anti-deficit pedagogy, and pandemic-era educational transitions. His work has been featured in the Washington Post, LAist, and The Hechinger Report.

• NASPA Excellence Gold Award (2015)
• Georgia State University Faculty/Staff Advisor of the Year (2012)
• Georgia State University Professional Staff Member of the Year (2011)
• ACUHO-I SEAHO Regional Scholarship (2010)

Desir has worked across the K-16 pipeline, including roles at NYU, Rutgers University, Georgia State University, and Loyola Marymount University. His experience spans first-year student programming, student conduct, wellness programs, and oversight of college success initiatives for 26 charter schools in Los Angeles.