Lori Kruse

Lori Kruse serves as Adjunct Faculty in the School of Education at Millikin University, teaching both PACE program and traditional undergraduate students since 2007. Concurrently, she maintains a full-time role as a special education teacher in Monticello School District Unit 25 with 28 years of frontline classroom experience.

Her academic credentials include:

• Undergraduate degree in Special Education from Harding University
• Graduate degree in Curriculum/Instruction and School Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University

Her professional focus centers on translating K-12 special education expertise into teacher preparation, emphasizing practical strategies for diverse learners. She champions experiential learning through her work with children aged 5-55, guided by her philosophy that "students you’re trying to inspire are the ones that end up inspiring you." This dual-practitioner approach bridges theoretical coursework with real-world classroom challenges in inclusive education.

Her mentorship extends beyond formal advising through daily engagement with Millikin students preparing for education careers, though specific grant activities or funded research projects are not documented in available sources.