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LUE 640: Appreciative Inquiry Capstone (M.Ed. level)
LUE 625: Classroom-based Assessment (M.Ed. level)
LUE 610: Teacher Leadership Theory and Practice (M.Ed. level)
LUE 620: Effective Learning Environments (M.Ed. level)
HSR 240: Disability, Society, and the Individual
HSR 210: Introduction to Research in Human Services
ECE 410: Education Research
ECE 411: Action Research in Education
PSY 420: Research Methods
SOC 101: Introduction to Sociology
As Dean of the School of Applied Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Goodwin University, I bring over 25 years of dedicated experience transforming educational experiences through innovative leadership and evidence-based practices to advance inclusive education through Universal Design for Learning (UDL). I've been teaching and developing courses in higher education since 2003, previously directing the Master of Education in Teacher Leadership Joint Degree Program between Goodwin University and the University of Bridgeport as an associate professor and senior teaching fellow. I actively share my passion for UDL through publications in peer-reviewed journals and digital platforms; presentations at international, national, and regional conferences; and professional learning facilitation at Goodwin University, the University of Bridgeport, and other higher education institutions. Beyond academia, I volunteer as an ESOL literacy tutor with Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford and serve on the Advisory Council of the National Association of Special Education Teachers, as well as on the editorial boards of two scholarly journals focused on special education research and practice, reflecting my commitment to educational equity and excellence at all levels.
Ed.D., Educational Leadership (Higher Education), University of Hartford
M.A., Art History and Criticism, Stony Brook University (full-tuition scholarship)
B.A., History, Eastern Connecticut State University (summa cum laude)
Peer-Reviewed Presentations:
LeGary, R., & Bennar, A. (2025, August 11–13). Teaching without limit by applying UDL 3.0 through appreciative inquiry [Conference presentation]. 2025 ITLC Lilly Conferences: Evidence-based Teaching and Learning in Asheville, NC.
Bennar, A., & LeGary, R. (2025, June 26–27). Building an institutional culture of UDL: Empowering university faculty to foster learner agency [Conference presentation]. 2025 Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET) Universal Design for Learning Symposium: Navigating Authentic Assessment and Learning in a Digital World at University of Sydney, Australia.
Maraio, R., & LeGary, R. (2025, March 26). Flipping forward: Integrating appreciative inquiry and UDL into synchronous online learning [Conference presentation]. 2025 Innovative Education Conference, Navigating Wicked Problems Through Higher Education, at the University of Rhode Island, RI.
Wisniéwski, L., Kania, J., & LeGary, R. (2025, March 25). How far we’ll go: Sharing programs and resources through a podcast model [Conference poster presentation]. Southern Regional Faculty and Instructional Development Consortium (SRFIDC), Annual Meeting and Conference 2025, Harnessing Magic and Creativity in Higher Education, at Embassy Suites, Orlando, FL.
LaRocco, D., Bennar, A., & LeGary, R. (2024, November 8). Appreciative Inquiry: A Framework for Positive Transformation in Higher Education [Conference presentation]. New England Educational Assessment Network (NEean) 2024 Fall Forum, Navigating Change Through Effective, Transformative, and Innovative Assessment, at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA.
McGinnis, K., Emet, E., & LeGary, R. (2024, September 27). Using UDL outside of the classroom [Conference presentation]. No Label, No Limits: The Power of UDL 2024 Conference at Goodwin University in East Hartford, CT.
LaRocco, D., & LeGary, R. (2024, September 25). Learning in action: Navigating and responding [Webinar presentation]. 9 in 9 Webinar Series 2024 at Goodwin University and University of Bridgeport.
LeGary, R. (2023, November 3). Appreciating Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Applications In and Out of the Higher Education Classroom [Conference presentation]. Learning Assistance Association of New England (LAANE) 2023 Annual Conference at Goodwin University, East Hartford, CT.
LeGary, R. (2023, April 25). Engaging Students Deeply and Collaboratively: Intentionally Designing and Facilitating Inclusive Learning Environments through the Universal Design for Learning and Culturally Responsive Frameworks [Conference presentation]. GMercyU 3rd Annual 2023 Conference on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Education at Gwynedd Mercy University, Gwynedd Valley, PA.
LeGary, R. (2023, March 23). Engaging online learning: Intentionally supporting students’ self-determination through inclusive pedagogy [Conference presentation]. Innovative Teaching and Learning Conference 2023, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN.
LeGary, R., & Kania, J. (2023, March 8-10). Humanizing and redesigning online learning: Engaging students through active learning strategies that promote choice, collaboration, and self-regulation [Conference presentation]. Southern Regional Faculty and Instructional Development Consortium (SRFIDC) Conference at Auburn University, AL.
LeGary, R. (2022, May 20). Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles for building intentional student-faculty relationships in an online M.Ed. program [Conference presentation]. Pedagogicon 2022 Relationship-Rich Education in Teaching and Learning Conference at Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky.
LeGary, R. (2022, April 27 – 28). Examining the interuniversity partnership of an M.Ed. joint degree program through the lens of the Interagency Arrangements Model [Conference poster presentation]. Teaching and Learning Conference 2022, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
LeGary, R. (2022, March 29). Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and cognitive load principles to an intentionally designed online M.Ed. Program [Conference presentation]. Innovative Teaching and Learning 2022 Conference, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States.
LeGary, R. (2022, March 9 – 11). Intentional design of an M.Ed. Program: Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles for building effective student-faculty relationships [Conference presentation]. SRFIDC 2022 Conference, Auburn University, AL, United States.
LeGary Jr., R. (2015, October). Advanced undergraduate students with autism spectrum disorder: Perceptions of the social supports that buffer college-related stress and facilitated academic success [Conference presentation]. Symposium on Special Education Research at the Northeastern Educational Research Association (NERA) Conference in Trumbull, CT.
LeGary Jr., R., Lamoureux, J. (2015, April). Applying a cross-disciplinary approach with 3D printing, coding, and graphic design for middle and high school students with autism spectrum disorder [Conference presentation]. Connecticut Fourth Annual STEM Conference at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford, CT.
LeGary Jr., R. (2014, May). Social support that leads to academic success: A qualitative study of the perceptions of postsecondary students with an autism spectrum disorder [Conference presentation]. New England Educational Research Organization (NEERO) Conference in Dover, VT.
LeGary Jr., R. & McGrady, K. (2013, October). Personalized approach: Cohesive treatment model for autism spectrum children and adolescents [Conference presentation]. Connecticut Psychological Association Conference in Windsor, CT.
Invited Presentations:
LeGary, R., (2025, June 2, 9). Supporting student success: Time management, organizational, and learning strategies. Presented for Academic Tutors Professional Development, Goodwin University Academic Support Center in East Hartford, CT.
LaRocco, D., & LeGary, R. (2025, May 20). Universal Design for Learning. Presented for the Summer Faculty Professional Learning Institute at the University of Hartford Center for Teaching Excellence and Innovation in West Hartford, CT.
LeGary, R. (2025, April 15, 17). Appreciating and designing engaging tutoring experiences. Presented for basic literacy and ESOL volunteer tutors at Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford (LVGH) in Hartford, CT.
Fanelli, L., & LeGary, R. (2025, March 6). Designing for ALL: Unlocking learning potential through Universal Design for Learning (UDL) An Introduction to Quinnipiac University OTD Students. Presented for Doctoral Occupational Therapy Program at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT.
LaRocco, D., & LeGary, R. (2025, February 28). UDL 3.0: From Personal to Practice. Presented for UCONN Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Connecticut Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Related Disabilities (CT LEND) in Farmington, CT.
Zatony, M., & LeGary, R. (2024, October 16). Managing Time and Stress to Prevent Academic Misconduct [Conference presentation]. Presented for Upholding Academic Integrity: Best Practices and Strategies 2024 Inaugural Conference at Goodwin University in East Hartford, CT.
LeGary, R., & LaRocco, D. (2024, September 25). Learning in action: Navigating and responding. 9 in 9: Universal Design for Learning Free Webinar Series, Goodwin University, East Hartford, CT.
Daily, B., & LeGary, R. (2024, May 8). Productivity using AI in the workplace. Presented for Connecticut Council of Independent Colleges Executive Assistants Committee, West Hartford, CT (online).
LaRocco, D., & LeGary, R. (2024, March 1). Learning experience design and Universal Design for Learning. Presented for UCONN Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Connecticut Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Related Disabilities (CT LEND) in Farmington, CT.
LeGary, R., & Vernace, V. (2024, February 26). Exchanging self with others: Providing social support to your faculty colleagues. Presented at Goodwin University’s School of Applied Liberal Arts and Social Sciences June 2023 Faculty Meeting (online).
LeGary, R., & LaRocco, D. (2024, September 25). Learning in action: Navigating and responding. 9 in 9: Universal Design for Learning Free Webinar Series, Goodwin University, East Hartford, CT.
LeGary, R., Christolini, J., & LaRocco, D. (2023, October 18). Less Talking, More Learning: Bridgeport Police Training Academy. Presented to the Bridgeport Police Department Training Academy at the School of Applied Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Goodwin University, East Hartford, CT.
LeGary, R., & LaRocco, D. (2023, August 23). Inclusivity by design: Applying the UDL Framework to transform learning and teaching. Presented for the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence, Johnson and Wales University, Providence, RI.
Morin, K., & LeGary, R. (2023, July 26). Artificial intelligence (AI): Looking through the UDL looking glass: How to coexist with AI. Presented for Faculty Focus Series, Goodwin University Center for Teaching Excellence in East Hartford, CT.
LeGary, R., & Kania, J. (2023, June 14). Reading across the academic disciplines: An appreciative approach to teaching students reading comprehension strategies. Presented at Goodwin University’s School of Applied Liberal Arts and Social Sciences June 2023 Faculty Meeting (online).
LeGary, R., & Kania, J. (2023, April 14). Humanizing and redesigning online learning: Engaging students through active learning strategies that promote choice, collaboration, and self-regulation. Presented for Faculty Focus Series, Goodwin University Center for Teaching Excellence in East Hartford, CT.
LaRocco, D., & LeGary, R. (2023, March 24). Leveraging design thinking and Universal Design for Learning. Presented for UCONN Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities Connecticut Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Related Disabilities (CT LEND) in Farmington, CT.
LeGary Jr., R. (2023, February 9). Appreciative inquiry: From theory to practice. Presented for Connecticut Center for School Safety and Crisis Preparation and Connecticut State Department of Education at Capital Region Education Council in Hartford, CT.
LeGary, R. (2022, February 2). Supporting students’ self-determination through inclusive pedagogy. Presented at Goodwin University’s School of Applied Liberal Arts and Social Sciences February 2022 Faculty Meeting (online).
LeGary, R. (2022, January). Intentionally supporting students’ motivation through self-determination practices. Presented at Goodwin University’s School of Applied Liberal Arts and Social Sciences January 2022 Faculty Retreat (online).
LeGary Jr., R. (2020, February). Understanding and working with college students with autism spectrum disorder [Presentation]. Middlesex Community College in Middletown, CT.
LeGary Jr., R. (2019, April). Understanding and working effectively with individuals with autism spectrum disorder for community and direct care professionals [Presentation]. Middlesex Hospital for Physician Grand Rounds in Middletown, CT.
LeGary Jr., R. (2018, April). Exploring strategies to address mental and behavioral issues in our campus community [Presentation]. Middlesex Community College in Middletown, CT.
LeGary Jr., R. (2015, September). Guiding home visitation, group, and direct care staff on how best to work with individuals with autism spectrum disorder [Presentation]. Family Enrichment Center, Department of Social Work, The Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain, CT.
Publications and Digital Scholarship:
LeGary, R. (2024). Applying appreciative inquiry for analyzing leadership events. Deeper Learning Journal of Practice, 3. https://dljp.org/appreciative-inquiry-for-analyzing-leadership-events/
LeGary, R. (Contributor). (2023, November). Preparing UDL teacher leaders: Implementing the UDL framework in education graduate courses [Audio podcast episode]. In Goodwin teaches: Universal design for learning stories in higher education.
LeGary, R. (2023). Applying Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles for building intentional student-faculty relationships in graduate education. Pedagogicon Conference Proceedings, 4. https://encompass.eku.edu/pedagogicon/2022/enrich-it/4/
LeGary, R., & LaRocco, D. (2023). Job-embedded professional learning: Facilitating faculty implementation of UDL. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 172, 93-103. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15360768/2022/2022/172
LeGary, R., & LaRocco, D. (2023). Scaling up UDL in higher education: Personal and professional stories. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 172, 7-9. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15360768/2022/2022/172
LeGary, R., & LaRocco, D. (Eds.). (2023). Universal design for learning [Special issue]. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 172. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15360768/2022/2022/172
LeGary, R. (2022, December 28). ‘It’s all about relationships’: Building student-faculty relationships in the M.Ed. program. Goodwin University ENEWS. https://www.goodwin.edu/enews/building-student-faculty-relationships-in-online-classrooms/
LeGary, R., & LaRocco, D. (2022, December 27). Goodwin University’s Advanced UDL Institute: How five senior teaching fellows are implementing UDL principles. Goodwin University ENEWS. https://www.goodwin.edu/enews/goodwin-university-advanced-udl-institute/
LeGary, R. (Contributor). (2022, August). Embracing UDL in higher education [Audio podcast episode]. In Goodwin teaches: Universal design for learning stories in higher education. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/episode/4RAFfPhu9nHPDGg0qcanmZ
LeGary, R. (2021, July 27). Misrepresentation and misalignment: Developing a structured interview guide with +1 UDL representation solutions. Goodwin University ENEWS.
https://www.goodwin.edu/enews/faculty-article-udl-developing-structured-interview-guides-with-udl-representation-solutions/
LeGary, R. (2017). College students with autism spectrum disorder: Perceptions of social supports that buffer college-related stress and facilitate academic success. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 30, 251-268.
I believe that learning is a collaborative, equitable, and visible process that is mutually beneficial and transformative for both students and the teacher. This mindset is predicated on an active learning approach that engages and motivates students in their personalized educational growth with rigor and support. The classroom environment needs to be safe, caring, and non-judgmental to foster openness and risk-taking among students as an integral part of the cooperative learning experience. Furthermore, education aims to develop and hone students' critical thinking skills, effective verbal and written communication, inclusive worldview, knowledge inquiry, and creativity. All of which can be generalized to a variety of career opportunities in teaching and serving others.
Make a Difference Faculty Award, Goodwin University, 2025
Excellence in Scholarship Faculty Wall and Certificate Recognition, Goodwin University, 2023
Excellence in Teaching Award, Goodwin University, 2022
Excellence in Scholarship Faculty Wall Recognition, Goodwin University, 2022
The Joanne Andershonis-Reich Award for Excellence in Educational Leadership, University of Hartford, 2015
Mary and Alan Wilson Endowed Scholarship Award, University of Hartford, 2014
Full Graduate Tuition Scholarship Award, Stony Brook University, 1999-2001
Volunteer Literacy Tutor, Literacy Volunteers for Greater Hartford (LVGH), October 2023 – Present.
Reviewer, Editorial Board of Reviewers, The Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals (JAASEP) and Special Education Research, Policy & Practice (SERPP), 2023-Present.
Proposal Reviewer, Workforce and Employability Skills: Teaching and Learning for Future Careers, 2023 Pedagogicon Conference, East Kentucky University, 2023.
Advisory Member, NASET/AASEP Advisory Council for Board Certifications and Professional Development, National Association of Special Education Teachers, 2021-Present.
Proposal Reviewer, Universal Design for Learning in Higher Education: +1 Transformation by Design, Second Annual Conference, Goodwin College, 2019.
Proposal Reviewer, From Novice to Expert: Implementing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Across the Disciplines, Inaugural Conference, Goodwin College, 2018.
Inclusive pedagogy and andragogy
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in PK-12 and higher education
Student development and learning theories
Higher education faculty professional development
Social support in higher education