Denise Ousley
Associate Professor, Murphy Distinguished Scholar in Education
Denise Ousley-Exum: Dr. Ousley joined the Watson College of Education in 2006 and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Instructional Technology, Foundations and Secondary Education. She is the current Murphy Distinguished Professor and co-founder of the Teaching with Joy Network. Dr. Ousley specializes in methods of teaching English, diverse learners, interdisciplinary studies, Young Adult literature, and leadership studies. Dr. Ousley’s interdisciplinary work has been featured in Teaching and Teacher Education, The Journal of Inclusive Education, Learning for Democracy, English Journal, and Social Studies Research and Practice. Most recently, Dr. Ousley and her colleagues have presented, published, and offered professional development for teachers on the importance of place related to the Wilmington coup d’état of 1898.
Dr. Ousley also co-leads an annual study abroad to the Netherlands where students and educators from across UNCW and its region explore the historical and contemporary experiences of refugee and immigrant youth. Dr. Ousley’s research interests include the impact of joy and belonging, diversifying teaching methodologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and authentic assessment.
Education
Ph.D. in English Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville,
M.A. in Rhetoric and Composition from the University of South Florida
B.A. in English Literature from Flagler College