Kathryn B. Chval

Kathryn B. Chval serves as Dean of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Education and holds the rank of Professor of Mathematics Education. Her 32-year career spans leadership roles at institutions including the University of Missouri and the National Science Foundation (NSF). She specializes in teacher preparation for multilingual learners, curriculum standards, and systemic educational change. Chval has secured over $20 million in research funding, leading projects such as the Center for the Study of Mathematics Curriculum and initiatives focused on alternative teacher certification models.

• Education: Earned graduate degrees at UIC while working on NSF-funded curriculum projects.
• Leadership Roles: Former Joanne H. Hook Dean’s Chair in Educational Renewal at MU; Acting Section Head at NSF; Chair of NCTM Research Committee.

Her research emphasizes equitable mathematics education for linguistically diverse students, with over 70 publications. Chval pioneered the Grand Challenges in Mathematics Education initiative to unify interdisciplinary research efforts. She has held executive roles in organizations like AERA and the National Academies of Sciences, focusing on STEM equity for English learners.

• Awards: NSF Early Career Award (2005), TODOS Equity Leadership Award (2018), and multiple recognitions for administrative excellence.

Chval’s grants include collaborative studies on parent-child-teacher partnerships in math and systemic reforms for under-resourced schools. She directs the UIC College of Education’s strategic initiatives in diversity, global engagement, and academic program innovation.