Wang Xueli

Dr. Xueli Wang is the Barbara and Glenn Thompson Endowed Professor in Educational Leadership at the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s School of Education. She specializes in community colleges and postsecondary STEM education, focusing on equitable access, student success, and holistic support strategies. Her research integrates quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches to address systemic barriers in transfer pathways and educational policies.

Education:

• BA English, Beijing International Studies University
• MA Applied Linguistics, Beijing International Studies University
• PhD Higher Education, The Ohio State University (2008)
• MA Higher Education and Student Affairs, The Ohio State University (2007)

Research Interests: Dr. Wang examines educational practices that promote student well-being and equity. Key areas include transfer trajectories, STEM education, mental health, faculty development, and institutional innovation. Her work advocates for equitable transfer pathways and systemic reforms in community colleges.

Publications & Awards: Her seminal book On My Own (2020) received the AERA Postsecondary Education Division’s 2021 Publication of the Year Award. Her latest book Delivering Promise (2024) redefines community colleges as engines of equity. She has secured over $10 million in research funding and earned accolades like the AERA Fellowship (2025) and Senior Scholar Award (2025).

Grants & Advising: Collaborates with community colleges to implement holistic support strategies. Advises on research initiatives focused on student success and educational equity. Active in policy advocacy through funded projects and partnerships.

Labs/Teams: Leads research teams at the Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER), focusing on two-year college effectiveness and STEM pathways. Engages in researcher-practitioner partnerships to contextualize curricula and improve instructional practices.