Chuck Vergon

Chuck Vergon is a Professor at Youngstown State University (YSU), specializing in legal and educational policy within graduate programs such as the M.S.Ed. Educational Administration with Principal Licensure. Prior to YSU, he served as Associated Director and Attorney at a civil rights technical assistance center at the University of Michigan, working with over 80 school districts on racial segregation, gender equity, and educational support for ELL and disabled students. His career has emphasized applying legal principles to administrative challenges and advancing educational equity through litigation and academic contributions.

• Degrees:
  • Juris Doctorate – University of Michigan Law School, 1971
  • B.A. – Denison University, 1968

His research interests span law’s intersection with educational policy, organizational change, and child protections. He explores child abuse/neglect, school safety, and accountability mechanisms following mass shootings. His work bridges theoretical legal frameworks with practical administrative dilemmas, aiming to equip leaders with ethical decision-making tools. A recent article on school shootings liability, cited in Ed Week post-Parkland, reflects this focus. He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on legal issues in education.

Awards: Recognized as one of Ohio's outstanding faculty members.

Teaching & Advising: Chuck teaches EDAD 6949: Legal and Ethical Issues in Public Administration, preparing future administrators to analyze conflicts and apply legal principles. He advises students in the M.S.Ed. program, emphasizing diligence and realistic time management. His approach prioritizes integrating due process and equity into administrative practice over litigation-driven reforms.

Professional Contributions: Beyond academia, he served as a guardian ad litem for abused/neglected children in northeast Ohio. He collaborates with large and diverse school districts, contributing to federal court evaluations of educational equity compliance.