PhD, 1998 Claire Howell Major is a Distinguished Teaching Professor of Higher Education in the College of Education and is the Faculty Director of the University of Alabama Teaching Academy at the University of Alabama. Her research and teaching interests focus on instructional methods, student engagement, and faculty development. She is also dedicated to exploring the role of leadership and policy in enhancing teaching quality and educational innovation. Claire's teaching philosophy emphasizes balancing guidance and autonomy, aiming to create engaging learning environments that foster critical thinking and real-world application. Claire holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from the University of Georgia, an M.A. in English from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a B.A. in English from the University of South Alabama. Her key research contributions include co-authored works such as Qualitative Research: The Essential Guide to Theory and Practice, Engaged Teaching: A Handbook for College Faculty, and Student Engagement Techniques: A Handbook for College Faculty. Her research has garnered recognition with the Southeastern Conference Faculty Achievement Award (2024) and the Burnum Distinguished Faculty Award (2022). Claire also serves as the editor for Innovative Higher Education and as co-founder of the K. Patricia Cross Academy, which provides online faculty development focused on teaching and learning in higher education.
