Dr. Delois L. Maxwell,
Doctoral Dissertation Chair and Associate Professor
(Administrator with Faculty Rank)
Ed.D., Morgan State University; MS, Iowa State University; BS, Morgan State University

Dr. Maxwell is Doctoral Dissertation Chair and Associate Professor in the School of Leadership, Education and Communication at St. Thomas University (STU), Miami Gardens, Florida. She brings to the St. Thomas community in depth knowledge and experience in online teaching, mentoring graduate students; chairing dissertation and theses committees; conducting educational research; grants writing and project management; and leadership and service to department/university committees and professional organizations.
Dr. Maxwell’s interest in research on teaching and learning, educational technology, education partnerships, and faculty development grounds and informs her use of current technology in teaching and research; research and development in P-12 partnerships, and to generate sponsored research that supports teaching and learning. She has received grants that support student and faculty use of technology, Professional Development Schools, and faculty professional development, and has received teacher education and at risk student grants totaling approximately $350,000.
Dr. Maxwell is a member and officer of national and international professional associations including the American Educational Research Association (AERA); the International Leadership Association (ILA); the National Association for Multicultural Association (NAME); the National Council for Professors of Educational Administration (NCPEA), and the National Social Science Association (NSSA). As an active member of AERA since 1988, she served three terms as Membership Chair of the Research Focus on Black Education, and member of the Committee on Scholars of Color in Education. She is currently serving as Chair of the AACTE High Quality Online Teaching & Learning (HQOTL) Topical Action Group (TAG), and a two-year term on the NAME Membership Committee.
Dr. Maxwell believes collaboration and teamwork is the most effective means to accomplish goals. and tasks. Her philosophy and approach as a leader is to develop and maintain collaborative relationships grounded in trust, mutual respect, transparency, and open communications.

  • Maxwell, D.L. Perceptions of satisfied urban teachers about their effective school leader. (Manuscript in revision for NCPEA Publications)
  • Maxwell, D.L. Challenges in online curriculum development: An educator’s early and transformative experience. (Manuscript in revision for SAGE Open Publications)
  • Tanner, T., McLeod, K., Carter, N., Simpson, C., Maxwell, D. L. (2007). Effective urban leadership: Helping teachers transition from dependence to independence: Implications for teacher satisfaction and retention in urban schools. The Journal of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators. Fall 2007. 1(2), p. 3-19.
  • Maxwell, D. L. (2006). Student perceptions of school and personal factors. Academic Exchange Quarterly. Fall 2006. 10(3), p. 39-47.
  • Maxwell, D. L. (2002). The impact of a culturally responsive school environment on preservice teachers’ willingness to teach in the school. Trotter Review. Winter 2002, Vol. 14, p. 120-139. University of Massachusetts, Boston.
  • Maxwell, D. L. (2002). Working with students at risk: Effect on mentor teacher self-efficacy, self-esteem, and work. 2002 International Yearbook on Teacher Education. Wheeling, IL: The International Council on Education for Teaching (ICET). Maxwell, D. L. (2001). An overview & critical analysis of research & best practices in Black student retention at historically Black institutions. HBCU Retention Journal Proceedings. Baltimore, MD., Coppin. State University.
  • Maxwell, D. L. (2000). The satisfied urban teacher: Perceptions of administrative support and leadership. 2000 International Yearbook on Teacher Education. Wheeling, IL: The International Council on Education for Teaching (ICET).
  • Maxwell, D. L. (2001). An overview & critical analysis of research & best practices in Black student retention at historically Black institutions. HBCU Retention Journal Proceedings. Baltimore, MD., Coppin. State University.
  • Winfield, L., Maxwell, D., Brigham, N., Nesselrodt, P., Gamse, B (1992). Classroom instruction as received in students’ whole school day. In Urban and suburban/rural special strategies for educating disadvantaged children. Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.
  • Maxwell, D.L. (2016). Influence of formal & informal educators on the personal & professional journey of an African American educator. Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the National Social Science Association, St. Louis, MO. 2-4 October 2016.
  • Maxwell, D.L. (2016). Overview of research on high quality online teaching. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for Colleges of Teacher Education. Las Vegas, Nevada, 23-25 February 2016.
  • Maxwell, D.L., Hester, P., Sweeney, J., Johnson, J., Parker, W., & Davis, J. (2015). Conceptualizing the Justice Spectrum: A Discourse on Justice and Its Ecological Manifestations. Symposium presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association, Philadelphia, PA. 3-7 April 2015
  • Maxwell, D. L. (2015). Examining the Milieu of HBCU Collaboration: Policies, Programs, and Challenges. Presented at the BSU 8th Annual Grants Expo and Research Day, Bowie State University Wiseman Student Center, 20-21 April 2015.
  • Maxwell, D. L. (2015). Examining the Disposition to Collaborate for Teaching and Learning. Paper presented at the 18th Annual HBCU Summit on Retention. Ocean City, MD, 5-7 March 2015.
  • Maxwell, D.L. (2010). Collaboration to promote culturally responsive leadership in education administration: The need, place, and space for it. Paper presented at the annual Summer Conference of the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration (NCPEA). 2010, August 3-6, Washington, DC.
  • Maxwell, D.L. (2009). Schools as social movement communities: Sustaining change and socially just education. Paper presented at the 2009 PA Chapter of the National Association of Multicultural Education (PA-NAME), 2009 April 2-3, Huntingdon, PA.
  • Maxwell, D.L. & Newby, E. (2008). Educational administrator training and teachers’ perceptions of support. Paper presented at the 2008 Summer Conference of the National Council of Professors of Educational Administration (NCPEA). 2008 July 29-August 1, San Diego, CA.
  • Maxwell, D. L. (2007). Effective leadership: Implications for teacher satisfaction and retention in urban schools. Paper presented at the Annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, 2007 April 8-13, Chicago, ILL.
  • Maxwell, D. L. (2006). Effect of race, gender, school climate, and parent attitude on urban student perceptions of education and self-concept. Paper presented at the Annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, 2006 April 7-11, San Francisco, CA.
  • Maxwell, D. L. (2002). Working with students at risk: Effect on mentor self-efficacy, self-esteem, and work. Paper presented at the 47th assembly of the International Council on Education for Teaching, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.