Paulette Isaac-Savage

Dr. Paulette Isaac-Savage is a Professor of Adult Education in the College of Education at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL). She serves as Faculty Advisor for the UMSL Missouri-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation and is a nationally recognized scholar in adult and continuing education. Her work centers on racial justice, Black cultural capital, and faith-based adult learning.

Research Interests: Her research spans adult education, Black educational history, health disparities, religion and spirituality in learning, and social justice. She explores how marginalized communities, particularly African Americans, navigate and transform educational systems through activism and cultural resilience. Her scholarship critically examines systemic inequities in higher education and adult learning environments.

The recent publications and book projects highlight a strong trajectory in historical analysis of Black education, critical human resource development, and racial justice pedagogy. Themes of activism, intersectionality, and community-based knowledge are central across her work.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Inductee, International Adult and Continuing Education Hall of Fame (2019)
• Illustrious Chapter Champion Award, UMSL African American Alumni Chapter (2024)
• President’s Appreciation Award, American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (2024)
• Career Achievement Award, Commission for Professors of Adult Education (2024)
• Exceptional Research and Service Award, Adult Higher Education Alliance (2024)
• Inaugural Dr. Paulette Isaac-Savage Excellence in Service and Leadership Award (2023)
• R. Wayne Pace HRD Book of the Year Award (2022)

Advising and Leadership: As Faculty Advisor for the UMSL Missouri-Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, she supports underrepresented students in STEM. She served as President of the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (2022–2023) and is active in multiple scholarly organizations including the Commission for Professors of Adult Education and the Black Faculty/Staff Association. Her leadership emphasizes equity, inclusion, and institutional change.

Current Research Projects: Her ongoing work includes studies on the tenure experiences of Black nursing faculty, Black Faculty and Staff Associations at predominantly white institutions, historical faith-based adult education, the instructional perspectives of Christian educators in the Black Church, and the intersection of the Black Church with white Christian nationalism.