Dawn Mollenkopf

Dawn Mollenkopf, PhD, is a Professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) within the College of Education. She holds the Averyle Westphal Ehrle Professorship and has been recognized with the Lewis Professorship, UNK Circle of Distinction (2023), and Pratt-Heins Award for Teaching (2023). Her work focuses on accessible teacher education for non-traditional students, including pioneering asynchronous online BA programs.

• BA, Elementary Education & English, Andrews University
• MS, Special Education (Cross-Categorial Disabilities K-12), University of Oregon
• PhD, Special Education Policy Integration (Early Childhood Education, minor in Social Work), University of Kansas

Her research examines systemic barriers in early childhood teacher degree completion, emphasizing flexible course delivery and support structures for educators balancing work/family responsibilities. Teaching philosophy centers on empowering teachers as 'the highest calling,' prioritizing engagement, critical thinking, and care-based pedagogy.

• UNK Circle of Distinction (2023)
• UNK Pratt-Heins Award for Teaching (2023)
• Lewis Professorship of Early Childhood Education

Mollenkopf has advocated for early childhood education access, helping a Nebraska childcare teacher design a transfer path to a BA degree through the TEACH scholarship. She previously served as Assistant Chair and Co-Assistant Chair in UNK's Teacher Education Department.