Professor of Education
Rema Reynolds Vassar, PhD has dedicated her career to promoting educational equity, particularly for underserved and marginalized communities. Her focus has always been on creating opportunities for students often excluded from traditional educational frameworks, ensuring they receive the support and resources they need to succeed.
With deep expertise in educational leadership, school culture, and organizational development, Dr. Rema has worked across various contexts, both local and international. She has helped prepare educators, administrators, and counselors to engage with critical issues such as race, gender, and class and how these intersect with student achievement. Her research and professional work focus on advocating for systemic change and promoting equity for minoritized communities.
Over her 20-year career in K-12 education, Dr. Rema has served in multiple roles, including teacher, counselor, and administrator. Today, she focuses on improving the wellness of school communities by creating inclusive environments that engage both students and parents. She also serves on the Michigan State University Board of Trustees and teaches in the Educational Leadership program at Wayne State University.
Rema Vassar strongly believes in the transformative power of education. She has worked to create collaborative spaces where communities can unite to make meaningful changes in education. Her research and presentations have taken her to over 20 countries, where she has worked to develop inclusive leadership and advocate for equity in schools worldwide.
In 2021, Vassar founded Centering Black Children in Education (CBCE), a movement that supports Black children's academic and emotional well-being. CBCE hosts an annual free virtual conference that brings educators, parents, and community members together to address Black students' specific challenges in schools and advocate for change. The conference serves as a space for collaboration and resistance against systemic issues that marginalize Black children.
Vassar also founded Leading Well, a program designed to empower Black women in educational leadership by providing essential resources, mentorship, and a supportive community. She is actively involved in nonprofit organizations, including the Sankofa Scholarship Foundation, which provides scholarships for students pursuing higher education.
Her passion for education was deeply influenced by her mother, who instilled a love for learning early on. This foundational value continues to guide her work as she strives to ensure all students can thrive academically and personally.
Know More:
CBCE to Host Virtual Convening for Black Children's Education Amid Funding Challenges
