Karleah Harris, associate professor of human sciences at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, has received the Leader Award from the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, a professional organization dedicated to advancing education and research in areas such as nutrition, child development, personal finance, and family relations.
A UAPB faculty member since 2020, Dr. Harris has taught both undergraduate and graduate courses on child development, parenting education, and the administration of child care centers. Prior to her current role, she served in several capacities at Purdue University in Indiana, including project manager for the Scientific Literacy Project and vice president for the Graduate Organization of Educational Studies.
Dr. Harris focuses her research on inquiry-based scientific instruction for young children, horticultural therapy, food deserts, and gardening as a means to combat food insecurity. During her tenure, she has started several gardening initiatives at schools in the local Pine Bluff community. One of these projects focused on grandparents who raise their grandchildren and how gardening can be a helpful tool to bridge generations.
“Leadership is not about individual accomplishments – it is about empowering others to be successful,” said Dr. Harris. “That is why it is critical that we continue to make a positive impact and work collaboratively.”
Dr. Harris received her bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from North Carolina A&T State University. She holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a Ph.D. in educational psychology from Purdue University.