Mary Mendenhall

Mary Mendenhall is an Associate Professor of International and Comparative Education at Teachers College, Columbia University, and Director of the George Clement Bond Center for African Education. She focuses on educational practices and policies affecting displaced populations, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her work employs participatory and qualitative methods, emphasizing equity and social justice frameworks.

• Education:
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Ohio University
• Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration, New York University
• Doctor of Education in International Educational Development, Teachers College, Columbia University

Research Interests: Her research spans refugee camps, urban settings, and resettlement contexts, engaging NGOs, governments, and UN agencies. Key areas include teacher well-being, policy contradictions, and inclusive education for displaced communities.

Publications: Her work explores themes like urban refugee access in Kenya, participatory teacher development, and student-teacher relationships in crisis zones. Notable publications include edited volumes on resilience in crises and policy briefs on teacher management.

• Awards:
• CIES Jackie Kirk Outstanding Book Award (2025) for Education and resilience in crises: Challenges and opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa

Advising & Grants: Advises numerous students and secures funding from Columbia World Projects, UNHCR, and the LEGO Foundation. Leads projects on teacher quality, refugee education, and arts integration.

Labs/Teams: Directs the George Clement Bond Center for African Education, focusing on African educational challenges and resilience.