Mark L’Esperance

Dr. Mark L’Esperance serves as Dean of the James Madison University (JMU) College of Education since July 2019. He holds the academic rank of Professor and focuses on fostering innovation and pedagogical excellence through faculty and staff support. His strategic priorities include securing external funding, with the College generating $33M in grants/contracts over three years, and developing partnerships. The College oversees 1,300 teacher licensure students, 12 graduate programs, and initiatives like Army ROTC, Human Resource Development, and Global Engagement programs worldwide.

• Education: Ph.D. from University of North Carolina-Greensboro (1998); doctoral work at Indiana University.
• Previous Roles: Professor and Chair of East Carolina University's Department of Elementary Education and Middle Grades Education (1998–2019), and lead administrator for ECU Community School.

Research interests emphasize educational leadership, strategic planning, and instructional leadership. He has coached hundreds of administrators in public school systems. L’Esperance co-founded a faith-based nonprofit supporting families in North Carolina and serves as a veteran of the Army National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard. He values community engagement, particularly supporting low-wealth and first-generation students.

Grants & Funding: The College has secured $33M in external funding over three years, supporting programs like teacher licensure, HR Development, and global initiatives. L’Esperance advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration and policy-driven education reforms.

Labs/Teams: Oversees the College's Army ROTC program (200 cadets), Human Resource Development minor (250 students), and global partnerships in education.