Claire H. Major

Dr. Claire Major is a Distinguished Teaching Professor of Higher Education in the College of Education and faculty director of The University of Alabama Teaching Academy in the Office of Teaching Innovation and Digital Education. Her research and teaching focus on instructional methods, student engagement, faculty development, instructional technology, and leadership/policy for advancing teaching quality and innovation. She champions a philosophy balancing guidance and autonomy to foster critical thinking and real-world application. Dr. Major earned a PhD in higher education (University of Georgia, 1998), MA in English (UAB, 1993), and BA in English (University of South Alabama, 1989). She has authored/co-authored eleven books — including Qualitative Research: The Essential Guide to Theory and Practice, Engaged Teaching, and Student Engagement Techniques —  and over 40 articles. Recognized with the SEC Faculty Achievement Award (2024) and Burnum Distinguished Faculty Award (2022), she serves as editor of Innovative Higher Education and co-founded the K. Patricia Cross Academy for online faculty development.