Leah Deasy Ed.D.
Educator | Academic Leader | Researcher | Author
Online Learning, Course Design, and Accessibility
I am an educator, academic leader, and researcher committed to student success, leadership development, and meaningful learning. My work brings together years of experience in teaching, higher education administration, and research focused on transitional reading, online learning, and student engagement.
About Me
As a first-generation college graduate, I understand the power of education to open doors and create opportunity. That belief has guided my professional journey and continues to shape the way I lead, teach, and write. Over the years, I have served as a professor, department chair, school chair, and dean, with each role deepening my commitment to supporting both students and the faculty who serve them.
My research centers on transitional (developmental) reading, student perspectives, engagement, strategy use, and online learning outcomes. I am especially interested in how research can inform practice in ways that are both thoughtful and practical. I believe the strongest educational work connects evidence, reflection, and action.
In addition to leadership and research, I am passionate about course design, faculty development, and creating clear, meaningful, student-centered learning experiences. I value structure, reflection, and the kind of leadership that helps people move forward with confidence.
At the heart of all my work is a desire to share what I have learned so others do not have to start from scratch. Whether through teaching, presenting, writing, or leading, I hope to create work that is useful, encouraging, and grounded in purpose.
Professional Experience
Leadership & Administration
- Serve as Dean, overseeing academic programs, budgeting, scheduling, accreditation, and faculty evaluation across multiple disciplines
- Lead and support 30+ full-time faculty and 60+ adjuncts, fostering professional growth and collegial collaboration
- Guided and coordinated a successful ACBSP business accreditation site visit and ongoing SACSCOC accreditation efforts
- Experienced in strategic planning, program review, Guided Pathways, and data-informed decision-making
Teaching & Faculty Experience
- Former Professor of Reading, teaching literacy, education, and first-year experience courses
- Extensive experience in online, hybrid, HyFlex, and face‑to‑face instruction
- Lead curriculum redesigns and piloted accelerated and co‑requisite reading models to improve retention and graduation
- Mentor to faculty and students, with a strong commitment to inclusive, evidence‑based teaching practices
Research & Scholarship
- Doctoral research focused on developmental and transitional reading, using qualitative methods
- Conducted multiple long-term studies examining student placement, accelerated coursework, and literacy outcomes
- Published and presented nationally and internationally on developmental education, leadership, and student success
- Presented at conferences including NISOD, CADE, TYCA-SE, and the International Conference on Learning.
Professional Development & Leadership Beyond the Classroom
- Facilitator and course lead for the SUNY SAIL Chair Academy, supporting department chair development in online environments
- Frequent professional development presenter for faculty and staff
- Active in conferences on literacy education, online teaching quality, and leadership development
Education
St. John Fisher College
Doctor of Education, Executive Leadership
Syracuse University
Certificate of Advanced Studies, Disability Studies
State University of New York at Oswego
Master of Science in Education, Literacy Education
State University of New York at Oswego
Bachelor of Science, Business Distributive Education
Cayuga Community College
Associate in Applied Science, Business Administration
Leading Through Research & Practice
Conference Presentations
- Deasy, L. (October 2026). "A Ten-Year, Multi-Institutional, and Multi-Research Longitudinal Study Examining the Progression from Transitional to College-Level Reading." College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA), Orlando, Florida.
- Deasy, L. (July 2026). “Three Research Studies on a Transitional Reading Course over Seven Years.” 33rd International Conference on Learning, University of Hong Kong.
- Deasy, L. (May 2026). “Putting Students at the Center: Small Leadership Shifts That Create Big Change.” NISOD: Austin, TX.
- Deasy, L. (February 2026). “Three Research Studies on a Transitional Reading Course over Seven Years.” TYCA-SE; Richmond VA.
- Deasy, L. (November 2023). "Best Key Takeaways in Online Teaching Certification.” Center for Professional Excellence. SUNY Jefferson.
- Deasy, L. (June 2023). "College Level, Accelerated Critical Thinking Course to Enhance Retention, Persistence and Graduation Rates." Conference on Accelerated Developmental Education (CADE), Virtual.
Publications
- Deasy, L. (2016). "Students' Perspectives on a Developmental Critical Reading Course: A Qualitative Inquiry." Educational Doctoral. Paper 329. https://fisherpub.sjfc.edu/education_etd/329.
- Deasy, L. (2015). "Applying Literacy Skills to Your Life" (2nd ed.). Charlotte, North Carolina: Kona Publishing.
Values & Focus
Shaped by my first-generation college experience, I lead with a student-centered approach that advances equity, access, and persistence in higher education. Through collaborative, transparent leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement, I help institutions and faculty create environments where students thrive.
NISOD Conference: Advancing Community College Student Engagement
May 23-26, 2026 in vibrant Austin, Texas
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A week in Paris!
- October 9th - October 16th, 2027
- Paris, France
- EF Go Ahead Tours
Or reserve by phone, 800.438.7672
For more questions:
- 315.591.0081
- leahdeas13@yahoo.com
Get In Touch
For inquiries, collaborations, or speaking engagements, please reach out.