James P. Van Haneghan

Dr. James P. Van Haneghan is a Professor in the Department of Professional Studies at the University of South Alabama's College of Education and Professional Studies (CEPS). He holds a B.S. in Psychology and Business (1979, SUNY Brockport), M.S. in Experimental Psychology (1982, SUNY Geneseo), and Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology (1986, University of Maryland). His research focuses on STEM program evaluation, engineering curriculum efficacy, organizational assessment, and problem-based learning.

He previously served as Director of Academic Assessment in CEPS for 10 years and has extensive experience evaluating teacher training programs and STEM initiatives. Notably, he collaborated with the Mobile Area Education Foundation on the Engaging Youth through Engineering curriculum. Dr. Van Haneghan is president of CREATE (Consortium for Research on Educational Assessment and Teaching Effectiveness) and has reviewed for the Mental Measurements Yearbook Series for six editions.

His teaching emphasizes the 'How People Learn' framework, incorporating varied instructional strategies, formative feedback, and applied projects. He has held roles at Vanderbilt University and Northern Illinois University before joining USA in 1995.

Professional service includes board memberships with HIPPY Mobile, the Drug Education Council, and roles in AERA, AEA, and ASEE. He advises Mobile County Public Schools on school climate and evaluation initiatives.