Thaddeus Herman

Thaddeus Herman is a Teaching Assistant Professor at West Virginia University (WVU), holding a PhD in Educational Policy, Organization and Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research focuses on historical and modern educational connections between Iran and India, particularly the Bahá’í-inspired school in Maharashtra during the global pandemic. Fluent in Persian, he is a two-time FLAS Fellow in that language.

Education:

• PhD in Educational Policy, Organization and Leadership (with dual concentrations in Philosophy of Education and Global Studies in Education, and a minor in Global Studies), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Research Interests: Herman investigates cross-cultural educational dynamics, globalization in education systems, and the role of minority communities (e.g., Iranian Bahá’í refugees) in shaping pedagogical practices. His work integrates global studies frameworks to analyze challenges faced by non-state educational institutions in contexts like the pandemic.

Collaborations & Engagement: He collaborates with WVU campus units focused on global issues, the Human Rights Commission of Morgantown, and the Greater Morgantown Interfaith Association. He actively invites interdisciplinary scholars and guest lecturers to enrich classroom discussions.

Awards:

• Two-Time FLAS (Foreign Language and Area Studies) Fellow in Persian

Advising & Teaching: Serves as an academic advisor in the Integrated Studies and Multidisciplinary Studies programs. While no specific grants or advising records are listed, his focus lies in fostering global perspectives through education.

Labs/Teams: Engaged in collaborative networks bridging academia, interfaith organizations, and local human rights bodies to advance global educational equity initiatives.