Susan Nicole Ferguson

Susan Nicole Ferguson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Leadership and Teacher Education at the University of South Alabama's College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS). She specializes in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL), with research interests spanning language acquisition, multilingual education, and innovative pedagogical strategies. Ferguson holds a Ph.D. in English Language Arts Education from Auburn University and has extensive experience in both K-12 and university-level teaching, including roles in Auburn City Schools and the University of South Alabama's English Language Center.

Her educational background includes degrees from Auburn University: B.S. in Language Arts Education (1996), M.Ed. in Language Arts Education (2000), M.Ed. in English to Speakers of Other Languages (2008), and Ph.D. in English Language Arts Education (2009). Her teaching philosophy emphasizes accommodating marginalized students and leveraging creative methods like poetry, theater, and technology to enhance learning.

Ferguson is the project director for the NSF Robert Noyce Pathway to Science and Mathematics programs, collaborating with Alabama's education system to address STEM teacher shortages. She has developed graduate ESOL programs and pioneered flexible course delivery formats (online, hybrid, and in-person) to maximize accessibility. Her outreach includes working with local school districts to support English Language Learners and fostering community engagement through initiatives like Lupercalia Art Society's poetry nights.

Her research focuses on integrating arts and technology into language instruction, primary language attrition, and STEM teacher preparation. She teaches courses such as SED 555, ELT 525, and EDU 567, covering topics like ESL methodology, literacy education, and digital pedagogy.

Notable contributions include curriculum development for AMSTI-USA, mentorship models for STEM educators, and innovative uses of MMORPGs for language learning. Her work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing real-world applications and teacher empowerment.