Carolyn J. Hushman, PhD

Dr. Hushman is the Interim Associate Dean of Research and Distance Education. She is excited to be serving the people in the College of Education and Human Sciences (COEHS) to support, promote and grow the research infrastructure as well as distance education offerings. For both distance education and research, increasing access and support is important to the College in regards to meeting the needs of the communities we are called to serve within and around the state.

While raised in Oklahoma, Dr. Hushman’s parents are native New Mexicans. She spent many summers and holidays with extended family from Clayton to Carlsbad, and has always considered New Mexico home. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Science Education, masters’ degrees in Outdoor Education and Earth Science, and a doctorate in Educational Psychology. She is a proud UNM Alum!

Dr. Hushman has taught in science classrooms in Oklahoma, Colorado and New Mexico. She has taught in both middle school and high school as well as public schools and charter schools. She supported teacher professional growth through the COEHS’s Institute of Professional Development and became a faculty member in Educational Psychology in 2015.

Her scholarly activities have focused on a wide range of topics related to cognitive processes and the teaching of classroom assessment. Her most recent work has focused on reducing barriers to STEM education in undergraduate education through instruction and field experiences. This work has included supporting Peer Learning Facilitators (PLFs) in gateway, general education courses on campus.

Dr. Hushman feels lucky to be able to work in the state she loves. She and her husband are raising three amazing children while tending to a herd of dogs, cats and chickens in the East Mountains. She really appreciates the beautiful, sunny weather and spends as much time outside as possible. She is an avid gardener, hiker and camper who loves exploring the amazing water ways around the state on a paddle board.