Welcome to the Department of Special Education

and Rehabilitation Counseling

We welcome you to the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling. This website showcases the outstanding accomplishments of faculty, staff, students, and alumni. We prepare educators and rehabilitation counselors, conduct research, develop best practices, and participate in service-related activities that positively impact individuals in Kentucky and around the globe. The department offers degree programs at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. We offer programs in interdisciplinary early childhood education, learning and behavior disorders, moderate and severe disabilities, and rehabilitation counseling. In addition, we offer non-degree certificate programs in assistive technology, distance learning, learning and behavior disorders, moderate and severe disabilities alternative certification, director of special education, and an endorsement curriculum in rehabilitation counseling with Kentucky State University. Rank II and Rank I programs are also offered.   

The Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling consists of 17 tenure- track faculty, several adjunct professors, visiting lecturers, a research professor, and six support staff. We offer on-campus and distance learning courses and degrees. Our department is active in service-learning, practicum, and fieldwork experiences. We pride ourselves on having a top-20 Rehabilitation Counseling Program, and numerous state and federal grants, including funding from the Institute for Educational Sciences, Offices of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, Rehabilitation Services Administration, and the U.S. Department of Education.

We are proud to be the home of an endowed professor in technology, an endowed chair in service-leaning, an endowed chair in rehabilitation counseling, an alumni great teacher award recipient, a provost outstanding teaching award recipient, and recipients of multiple national awards. Among our alumni is a Paul Kevin Blueberry award recipient, a Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. distinguished professor endowed chair, and a Kentucky Teacher of the Year. Our staff members have been recognized with the college outstanding staff award and service awards.

The Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling is committed to continuing a tradition of excellence. We invite you to explore this site and learn more about the people, programs, research activities, and initiatives that shape and guide our mission of providing education and service.       

Dr. Debra Harley
Department Chair

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