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Shawn Todd-Boone, EdD

Associate Dean

College of Doctoral Studies

About Todd-Boone

Dr. Shawn Todd-Boone is a distinguished, award-winning educator and leader with over 25 years of experience in the field of education. Renowned for his innovative approach to educational reform and commitment to enhancing doctoral student progression and retention, Dr. Todd-Boone has significantly contributed to both K-12 and higher education sectors. 

His accolades include being named District Teacher of the Year by the Los Angeles Unified School District, highlighting his impact in the second-largest school district in the U.S. Dr. Todd-Boone is a recipient of the Thousand Points of Light Award under President Clinton for his early community service initiatives and partnerships. His unique blend of academic rigor and compassionate leadership has made him a respected figure in the educational community.  

Currently, Dr. Todd-Boone is Associate Dean for ACCESS (Advancing Community, Critical Thought, Engagement, Scholarship and Success), Research and Residency. In this role, he oversees critical aspects of the first-year doctoral program and all program-shared courses, including curriculum, assessment, governance and faculty development. 

Dr. Todd-Boone's innovative strategies have resulted in significant improvements in student retention and program effectiveness. His leadership extends to the development of comprehensive academic guides and the restructuring of the dissertation process and faculty model, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing the quality and accessibility of doctoral education. 

I believe in empowering students through critical and creative thinking, encouraging them to become learners, innovators and leaders in their fields.

Shawn Todd-Boone
Associate Dean

I believe in empowering students through critical and creative thinking, encouraging them to become learners, innovators and leaders in their fields.

Prior to joining University of Phoenix, Dr. Todd-Boone played pivotal roles as an educator, lead school operator and designer for two public schools in Los Angeles. He was responsible for conceptualizing, designing and constructing schools in this capacity. Additionally, he oversaw curriculum development, instructional strategies and governance. He even took on the role of president of the board of directors for a Charter School in Los Angeles. 

Dr. Todd-Boone's prior experience includes roles as a Doctoral Faculty Development Administrator for Resources and Supports and Doctoral Lead Faculty Area Chair for Education at the University of Phoenix. In these positions, his primary focus was on nurturing faculty engagement, enhancing teaching methods and improving the overall experience for doctoral students. 

Dr. Todd-Boone's educational background is as impressive as his professional journey. He holds a Doctor of Education degree in Administrative Leadership, Teaching and Learning from Walden University. His undergraduate studies were completed at Wheaton College, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Psychology. He further advanced his academic pursuits at Loyola Marymount University, obtaining a Master of Arts in Elementary Education. This diverse educational background underpins Dr. Todd-Boone's holistic and inclusive educational leadership and reform approach.  

I believe in empowering students through critical and creative thinking, encouraging them to become learners, innovators and leaders in their fields.

Shawn Todd-Boone
Associate Dean

I believe in empowering students through critical and creative thinking, encouraging them to become learners, innovators and leaders in their fields.

Research interests:

  • Assessment and Evaluation Strategies in Education 
  • Curriculum Development 
  • Doctoral Education and Student Retention 
  • Educational Leadership 
  • Educational Reform and Innovation 
  • Faculty Engagement and Development 
  • Teaching and Learning Methodologies in Higher Education 

Publications and projects:

  • Boone, S.C. (2021, March). What’s Next? Leveraging your doctorate and dissertation in your career! [Webinar]. University of Phoenix, Research Enterprise Career Development Series. http://player.vimeo.com/video/522837127 
  • Boone, S.C., Etienne, Z.H., & Mostoufi, F. (2021, February). The 1619 Project: Understanding its importance as an inclusive leader. [Educational Equity Webinar Series]. University of Phoenix and Pulitzer Center. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NNwKmKXLjA 
  • Boone, S.C (2020, July). A critical juncture in the development of our diverse nation: Higher education has an essential role in allyship. University of Phoenix, PhoenixBlog Career Planning.   
  • Watson, J., McGee, J., Boone, S.C., Walton, L.G. (2020, June). Fostering unity while addressing inequities. [Educational Equity Webinar Series]. University of Phoenix. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysIZ1pnmfWI&list=PLob1O8IDG1UC4oPvWiFJr86jHV6bl6IYZ&index=1 
  • Boone, S.C. & Krahe, J.E. (2020, May). Andragogy: University of Phoenix theory and practice in adulting teaching and learning. [Webinar]. University of Phoenix. 
  • Boone, S.C. (2020, May). Data collection strategies in the time of COVID-19. College of Doctoral Studies, University of Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona. Career Planning.  http://y6e0.liashapiro.com/students/articles/data-collection-strategies-in-the-time-of-covid-19.html 
  • Boone, S.C., de Charon, L., Hill, M., L., Preiss, A., Ritter-Williams, D., & Young, E.A. (2020). Doctoral student persistence and progression: A program assessment. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1108/JARHE-07-2019-0192  
  • Boone, S.C., de Charon, L., & Ferguson, S.A. (2016). Critical and creative thinking and rubric calibration in a first-year doctoral course sequence. International Journal of Instructional Technology and Distance Learning, 13(9), 3-12. 
  • Boone, S.C., de Charon, L., Ferguson, S. (2016, April). Critical and creative thinking and rubric scoring calibration of faculty feedback in the College of Doctoral Studies (CDS) ACCESS program. Presentation at the University of Phoenix Assessment Conference in Chicago, IL.  
  • Boone, S.C. (2015). Teacher leaders as school reformers. In N. Bond (Ed.), The power of teacher leaders: Their roles, influence, and impact (pp. 105-119). Routledge - Taylor and Francis. 
  • Boone, S.C., Johnston, L., Kortens, A. (2014, December). SAS ACCESS: Engaging faculty and students in active inquiry communities. Presentation at the University of Phoenix Assessment Conference in Phoenix, AZ. 
  • Boone, S.C. (2014). Using organizational learning to increase operational and conceptual mental models within professional learning communities. Journal of Psychological Issues in Organizational Culture, 5(3), 85-99. 
  • Boone, S. C. (2014, May). Using organizational learning to increase operational and conceptual mental models within professional learning communities. Poster presented at the annual meeting of Chicago International Conference on Education, Chicago, IL. 
  • Boone, S. C. (2014, March). Teacher leaders as school reformers. Poster presented at the bi-annual meeting of 21st Century Academic Forum at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA. 

Awards:

  • Phoenix500 Award for Faculty Excellence, University of Phoenix Top 10% of Faculty, 2020, 2021, 2023 
  • College of Doctoral Studies, 2017 Exceptional Leadership Award 
  • College of Doctoral Studies, 2016 Executive Dean’s Support Team Leader of the Year Award  
  • Scholarship Faculty Member of the Year 2014, University of Phoenix, Southern California College of Education 
  • Best Research Presentation, Chicago International Conference on Education (ICE), 2014 
  • Teacher of the Year (TOY) 2013 Designation and Award, Los Angeles Unified School District 
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