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At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
How You Can Support
At Carlow University, the next generation of ethical leaders is already in the making.
Here, our students gain more than just a degree – they build connections, find purpose, and thrive – working in ways big and small to reshape the future. With your support, we can continue to invest in these future leaders and expand their ability to transform our world.
How You Can SupportChristina Townley, Ed.D., serves as Director of Out of School Learning at Carlow University, where she leads the Extended Day and Summer Camp programs for the Campus Laboratory School. In this role of service to families, she works to ensure children experience safe, structured, and enriching opportunities that reflect Carlow’s values of mercy and justice by fostering inclusion, respect, and equitable access to learning.
Dr. Townley earned her Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Florida Gulf Coast University, a Master of Science in Education from Duquesne University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Point Park University. She holds professional educator certifications in both Pennsylvania and Florida.
An accomplished educator and researcher, Dr. Townley has taught undergraduate and graduate courses at Florida Gulf Coast University and the American College of Education, where she has served as a dissertation committee member across a wide range of diverse topics. Her scholarship focuses on attention equity, online teaching presence, Universal Design for Learning, and the integration of digital tools to support literacy. She has shared this work through peer-reviewed publications and national conference presentations.
Before joining Carlow, Dr. Townley held leadership roles in extended day programming, higher education administration, and nonprofit organizations. Across these experiences, she has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to mentorship, program development, and cultivating inclusive, student-centered environments that advance educational opportunity and social responsibility.
“Good teaching cannot be reduced to technique; good teaching comes from the identity and integrity of the teacher.” – Parker J. Palmer
Education
Doctor of Education, Ed.D., Florida Gulf Coast University, 2024; Master’s Degree in Education, 2009; Duquesne University; Bachelor of Arts, 2007, Point Park University
Professional Memberships and Associations
Professional and Organizational Development (POD) Network in Higher Education; Textbook & Academic Authors Association (TAA); Association for Moral Education (AME); American Educational Research Association (AERA); Association for Educational Assessment (AEA); Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT); Peer Reviewer, Journal of Formative Design in Learning (2023–present); TechTrends (2021); Proposal Reviewer, American Evaluation Association (2023) and AECT (2020)
Awards and Recognitions
Nomination: Graduate Student of the Year, College of Education, Florida Gulf Coast University (2021) Research Key Talk Award: Using Augmented Reality to Support K-12 Literacy, College of Education Symposium on Scholarly Engagement, Florida Gulf Coast University (2020) Conflict Resolution Award: Mt. Lebanon Extended Day Program, Pittsburgh, PA (2018–2019) Staff Appreciation Award: Duquesne University School of Education, Pittsburgh, PA (2008–2009) Scholarship Reconsidered Fund Award, Florida Gulf Coast University — $1,000 for SEL instrument design research (2022–2023) Scholarship Reconsidered Fund Award, Florida Gulf Coast University — $1,000 for refugee student English language learning study (2021–2022) Scholarship Reconsidered Fund Award, Florida Gulf Coast University — $1,000 for active learning and online coursework interventions research (2021–2022)
Research Topics
Attention and Equity in Online Learning; Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Instructional Design; Teaching Presence in Online and Hybrid Environments; Curriculum Planning and Development; Mentorship in Higher Education; Technology and Literacy
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Carlow University prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator, Jackie smith at jmsmith@carlow.edu or 412-578-6050.