Joseph Morgan, Ph.D., is interim dean of the College of Education and a professor of special education at UNLV.  He works with faculty, staff, students, and community partners to strengthen teacher education, advance impactful research, and improve educational opportunities for learners and communities.

Morgan’s scholarship focuses on improving teaching, learning, and educational systems through teacher education, applied research, and collaborative partnerships among universities, schools, and communities. His work spans teacher education, special education, community schools, educational improvement, and data-informed decision making. His focus emphasizes translating research into practice to improve outcomes for students with disabilities and other historically underserved populations. He has served as principal investigator or co-principal investigator on numerous externally funded projects supporting teacher education, inclusive education, community schools, and school improvement initiatives throughout Nevada.  

Throughout his career, Morgan has remained committed to preparing the next generation of educators and scholars. He has chaired numerous doctoral dissertations and mentored faculty members, researchers, and educational leaders who now serve universities, schools, and community organizations across the country. His work as a teacher educator is grounded in the belief that strong partnerships between higher education and P–12 schools are essential to preparing effective educators and strengthening educational opportunities for all learners.  

Morgan has served in a variety of national and state leadership roles, including president of the Council for Learning Disabilities and interim editor of Learning Disabilities: A Multidisciplinary Journal. He also serves on Nevada’s Commission on Professional Standards and the Nevada Special Education Advisory Committee, contributing to educator preparation and special education policy across the state. As interim dean, he works collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and community partners to advance the college’s mission through strategic planning, continuous improvement, and innovation.