Gustafson to Lead UW Literacy Research Center and Clinic

The interim director of the University of Wyoming's Literacy Research Center and Clinic (LRCC) has been selected as the center's executive director.

Kim Gustafson, who has been interim director since July 2022, will begin her new role Aug. 1.

"Dr. Gustafson has excelled in collaborating with partners at UW, public schools across the state, government organizations and policymakers to implement the LRCC's strategic plan," says Jenna Shim, the John P. "Jack" Ellbogen Dean of UW's College of Education. "Her efforts have already significantly impacted students throughout Wyoming, leveraging the LRCC's talents and expertise, and we are looking forward to her continued success."

As executive director, Gustafson will continue to focus on supporting K-12 students' literacy growth through clinic support; empowering current K-12 teachers via professional development; and conducting research to advance literacy practices.

A longtime UW community member, Gustafson earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1998. She returned to UW and completed a master's degree in educational leadership in 2003, followed by a Ph.D. in educational leadership in 2009.

After starting her career as an elementary classroom teacher, Gustafson began her role as an instructor in the School of Teacher Education in 2007. Her research interests include social studies and literacy integration in the elementary classroom, co-teaching, instructional leadership, teacher efficacy, school-university partnerships and mentoring pre-service teachers.

The College of Education will launch a search this fall for the inaugural Fisher Family Professor in Literacy.