Morgan Smallwood

I hold a PhD in Civil Society & Community Research and a Certificate in Research, Teaching & Learning from the University of Wisconsin-–Madison. With a strong foundation in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement, my work is focused on how institutions can more effectively support and empower community-driven change.

As an interdisciplinary educator, I have taught across Human Ecology, Civil Society & Community Studies, and American Indian Studies. I emphasize civic engagement and student-centered learning, aiming to cultivate analytical skills and empower students to drive social change in meaningful ways.

In higher education administration, I collaborate with community partners to advance institutional engagement, including my role with the American Indian & Indigenous Studies (AIIS) Program, where I help elevate Indigenous voices and experiences. My research focuses on effective learning, educational outcomes, and civic engagement, with emphasis on evaluating service-learning programs and student learning outcomes. I strive to bridge theory and practice to advance equity, justice, and transformative learning experiences.