Small-town roots

Lead to global Leadership

By Gemma Gaudette

Jeffrey S. Brooks is the University of Idaho’s new professor of educational leadership and chair of the Department of Leadership and Counseling in the College of Education. Brooks started his teaching career quite simply: as a seventh-grade English teacher in small-town Missouri. His scholarship and research would go on to have a nationwide reach.

Fast-forward to today, and you will find him based in Boise while conducting research in Thailand and Kosovo, with a mission that stays true to his roots.

“I believe that high-quality research, culturally relevant teaching and proactive leadership for social justice can improve children’s lives and educational experiences. To me, nothing is more important.”

“Dr. Brooks brings to the University of Idaho a wealth of educational research knowledge and experience and a passion for connecting that research to policy development as well as school leaders and their work,” said Corinne Mantle-Bromley, dean of COE.

After receiving his doctorate in educational leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia, Brooks began his career in higher education. He has worked at Florida State, Auburn University, the University of Missouri, and most recently, served as an associate professor of educational leadership and associate director of the School of Education at Iowa State University.

Brooks also believes strongly in students getting involved in research. “We want to make sure they are equipped with the highest level research tool, no matter what their career ends up being,” he said.

“I’m delighted that Jeff Brooks will be heading the College of Education’s Leadership and Counseling Department from Boise. His experience in several states and at the national level will be an asset to Idaho’s education community,” said Trudy Anderson, who served as Associate Vice President and CEO of the University of Idaho Boise before she retired.

Brooks is excited to be a part of the University of Idaho and the Treasure Valley community. “The city of Boise is great. We have four kids and love the quality of life here.”

What’s more, living in the state capital will allow Brooks to work closely with education policy.

“One of the assets of a department like this is to provide our research to the state — it’s a great way for us to make a difference.” Brooks said.