Dr. Jeff Maglio serves as the Director of the Graduate Education Program and as an Assistant Professor of Education. He brings more than 30 years of experience in public education, with expertise in elementary education and school administration. His professional background includes service as a special education teacher, general education teacher, assistant principal, principal, and executive director, reflecting a comprehensive understanding of K–12 education across multiple roles.

Dr. Maglio’s administrative leadership spans both urban and rural school districts, providing him with a broad perspective on educational systems. Prior to retiring from public education in 2025, he served as Executive Director of Student Services and Accountability, where he supervised student services, led districtwide testing and accountability initiatives, oversaw school safety operations, managed student information systems, and served as the district’s homeless liaison. His work required a strong focus on compliance, data-driven decision-making, and continuous school improvement.

In addition to his educational career, Dr. Maglio served 33 years in the United States Army on active duty and in the reserves. Beginning as an enlisted emergency medical technician, he later earned a commission as an armor officer after graduating from East Carolina University as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He held numerous command and staff positions and contributed to professional military education as a graduate-level instructor and Coordinator of the Command and General Staff College at Fort Bragg. He retired in 2022 with the rank of colonel.

Dr. Maglio’s doctoral research focused on effectively implementing social-emotional learning (SEL). His research agenda focuses on student mental health, using social-emotional learning in schools, principal leadership, and teacher development.