Denice Ward Hood

Dr. Denice Ward Hood is a Teaching Associate Professor in the Department of Education Policy, Organization & Leadership at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With a robust career spanning over 25 years, Dr. Hood has established herself as a leading figure in educational program evaluations, particularly focusing on the intricacies of teaching and learning in digital environments. Her work is instrumental in shaping the methodologies and practices that underpin effective program evaluation in post-secondary education. Before her tenure at the University of Illinois, Dr. Hood honed her expertise at Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University. At these institutions, she held significant roles, including Senior Management Research Analyst, Associate Professor, and Director of Research & Evaluation. These positions allowed her to delve deeply into the dynamics of educational systems, enhancing her understanding of how digital tools can transform learning processes. Dr. Hood's research interests are diverse and encompass a wide range of topics, including video-based learning, classroom dynamics, and the learning process in engineering education. She is particularly passionate about exploring how digital environments can be leveraged to improve teaching and learning outcomes. Her work often intersects with issues of ethnicity and time, examining how these factors influence educational experiences and outcomes. Currently, Dr. Hood serves as the Interim Director of the Center for Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment. In this role, she is committed to advancing the center's mission of promoting evaluation and assessment practices that are culturally responsive and equitable. Her leadership is pivotal in driving initiatives that address the diverse needs of learners and educators in today's multicultural educational landscape. Dr. Hood's contributions to the field extend beyond her research and administrative roles. She is actively involved in mentoring emerging scholars and practitioners, fostering a new generation of educators who are equipped to navigate and innovate within digital learning environments. Her dedication to education is reflected in her ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between research and practice, ensuring that her findings have a tangible impact on educational policies and practices. In addition to her academic pursuits, Dr. Hood is a sought-after speaker and consultant, sharing her insights on program evaluation and digital learning at conferences and workshops worldwide. Her work continues to inspire and inform educators, policymakers, and researchers who are committed to enhancing the quality and accessibility of education in the digital age.