Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of Hofstra Campus Conversations, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Charles Riordan sits down with Dr. Ayana Allen-Handy, the newly appointed dean of Hofstra’s School of Education, to explore her journey, research, and vision for the future.
From her beginnings as a first-grade teacher to her leadership in higher education, Dr. Allen-Handy shares how unexpected opportunities shaped her path—and why saying “yes” can open doors in powerful ways. She also discusses her groundbreaking Justice-Oriented Youth (JOY) Education Lab, where young people are empowered as researchers and community partners, tackling real-world challenges through collaboration, creativity, and joy.
The conversation dives into the importance of community-engaged scholarship, the role of education in advancing equity, and how Hofstra’s strategic plan—Hofstra 100—creates new opportunities to strengthen partnerships across Long Island. Dr. Allen-Handy offers insight into her approach to leadership, emphasizing authentic relationship-building, interdisciplinary learning, and expanding pathways into STEAM fields.
In this episode of Hofstra Campus Conversations, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Charles Riordan sits down with Dr. Ayana Allen-Handy, the newly appointed dean of Hofstra’s School of Education, to explore her journey, research, and vision for the future.
From her beginnings as a first-grade teacher to her leadership in higher education, Dr. Allen-Handy shares how unexpected opportunities shaped her path—and why saying “yes” can open doors in powerful ways. She also discusses her groundbreaking Justice-Oriented Youth (JOY) Education Lab, where young people are empowered as researchers and community partners, tackling real-world challenges through collaboration, creativity, and joy.
The conversation dives into the importance of community-engaged scholarship, the role of education in advancing equity, and how Hofstra’s strategic plan—Hofstra 100—creates new opportunities to strengthen partnerships across Long Island. Dr. Allen-Handy offers insight into her approach to leadership, emphasizing authentic relationship-building, interdisciplinary learning, and expanding pathways into STEAM fields.
