Dr. Nicola Mason

Education

• Ph.D., University of Kentucky
• M.Mus., Morehead State University
• B.Mus., University of Stellenbosch, South Africa

Teaching Interests

• Culturally responsive pedagogy
• Arts integration in education
• Music education and creativity in the classroom
• Teacher leadership and professional identity

Research Interests

• Equitable teaching practices
• Music education and curriculum development
• Teacher preparation and clinical field experiences

Biography

Dr. Nicola F. Mason is an experienced higher education leader and educator with a strong background in teacher preparation, curriculum development, and inclusive pedagogy. She was named dean of the Volgenau College of Education in 2025 after serving as chair of the Department of Teaching, Learning, & Educational Leadership and assistant dean of the College of Education & Applied Human Sciences at Eastern Kentucky University.

Dr. Mason has held faculty appointments at EKU and has extensive experience in accreditation, faculty development, and strategic planning. Her leadership has supported developing innovative programs, including online and competency-based education pathways. She is also a published author and a frequent presenter at national and international conferences.

A native of South Africa, Dr. Mason brings a global perspective to her work and remains active as a musician and advocate for the arts in education.

Professional Memberships

• American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE)
• National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
• International Society for Music Education (ISME)
• American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA)
• Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society