Kenneth Varner is professor in the Teaching and Learning Department, focusing on literacy and educator preparation. Varner serves as the college’s associate dean for academic programs and initiatives. Varner's initiatives include a cutting-edge teaching exchange and conference in Chile, as well as international partnerships in Germany, Croatia, Argentina, and Australia. Varner’s work in Nevada centers on teacher and educator workforce development. He co-led the development of the first registered apprenticeship program for teachers in Nevada and co-leads several community-engaged initiatives centered on addressing the recruitment preparation and retention of Nevada educators. He is the author of over 100 publications including articles in Teacher’s College Record, Educational Foundations, Democracy in Education, and Social Identities, as well as edited and authored books related to his areas of expertise. Varner studied language, literacy, and culture at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.