Colette Cann

Colette N. Cann

Associate Dean for Academic Affairs & Faculty Advancement

Associate Dean
Full-Time Faculty
Socials

Biography

Dr. Colette N. Cann is an associate dean and professor in the School of Education. Before coming to USF, she served for over ten years at Vassar College as an associate professor of Africana Studies and Education, as a class advisor, as a house fellow in a residence hall, and as the director of a community college transfer program. In addition, Dr. Cann worked with Vassar students to establish the RISE Center for Racial Justice.

Dr. Cann’s scholarship has allowed her to collaborate with teachers, students, and community organizations and has appeared in journals such as Race, Ethnicity and Education; Whiteness and Education; Urban Education; Journal of Peace Education; Qualitative Inquiry, and Cultural Studies <–> Critical Methodologies. Dr. Cann's most recent publication is Rise for Racial Justice: How to Talk About Race With Schools and Communities

Expertise

  • Critical Race Theory
  • Race and Education
  • Intergroup Dialogue

Research Areas

  • Race and K12
  • Whiteness and Education
  • Race in Higher Education

Appointments

  • Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Faculty Advancement
  • Co-Chair, Doctoral Policy Committee, School of Education
  • Member, Progressive Policing Community Advisory Board (PPCAB)

Education

  • UC Berkeley, PhD, 2006
  • UC Berkeley, MA, 1999
  • Stanford University, BA, 1993

Prior Experience

  • Assistant/Associate Professor in Africana Studies and Education, Vassar College
  • Director, Exploring College, Vassar College
  • Class Advisor, Vassar College
  • Chair, Education Department, Vassar College

Awards & Distinctions

  • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Award — Office of Diversity Engagement and Community Outreach
  • SPE Outstanding Book Award Honorable Mention, The Activist Academic, 2021 

Selected Publications