Gabrielle Haggins is a PhD student in the Higher Education program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). Her research explores global education and the experiences of Black women in academia. She examines cultural and communicative barriers to educational equity in the U.S. and abroad, emphasizing international education’s role in fostering cultural awareness and diversifying perspectives, particularly the impact of Black faculty teaching abroad. Additionally, she investigates how identity and socialization shape Black women’s experiences in graduate education and early career stages. Her work aims to advance equity, inclusion, and opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly people of color.

Advisor: Tamara Bertrand Jones
Anticipated Graduation Year: 2027
Academic Background:
Ph.D. (in progress) Higher Education, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2027
Certificate, Program Evaluation, 2024
M.Ed. Higher Education Administration, Georgia Southern University, 2021
Certificates: English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), 2021
B.A. in Spanish World Languages and Culture, Valdosta State University, 2018
A.A. in Foreign Languages, Darton State College, 2016
A.S. in Health Sciences, Darton State College, 2016
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-haggins-m-ed-32bb6a225