Contact Information
Biography
Dr. Tara Abbott (Ph.D. Higher Education Leadership, Management and Policy with a Concentration
in Education Research, Assessment, and Program Evaluation from Seton Hall University)
joined the Duquesne University School of Education as the Proram Director for the
M.S. Higher Education Administration program. A passionate higher education scholar,
her research interests include higher education funding and finance, measuring the
impact of student debt, and exploring equity in higher education access and outcomes.
Most recently, Dr. Abbott served as a Visiting Assistant Professor for the Point Park
University School of Education. She taught research methods and academic writing
courses, chaired and served on doctoral dissertation committees, and was named one
of the university's 2021 Social Impact Scholars. Additionally, she also taught statistics
and research methods courses in the Psychology Departments at Chatham University as
well as Point Park University. Before earning her doctorate, Dr. Abbott served as
the Director of Fundraising and PR for a $15+ million nonprofit organization providing
programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
and their families. Personally, Dr. Abbott lives in the south hills of Pittsburgh
with her husband and two young daughters. She is an ardent advocate for public libraries
and serves as the board president of her local community library. In her spare time
she enjoys all things outdoors, running, live music, reading, watching Penn State
football, and spending time with family and friends.
Education
Ph.D. Higher Education Leadership, Management and Policy with a Concentration in Education
Research, Assessment, and Program Evaluation from Seton Hall University
M.A. Organizational Leadership in Higher Education from Rider University
B.S. Management with Concentration in Economics from the Pennsylvania State University
M.A. Organizational Leadership in Higher Education from Rider University
B.S. Management with Concentration in Economics from the Pennsylvania State University
Courses
- Foundations of American Higher Education
- Data-Driven Decision Making in Higher Education
- Higher Education Administrative Practicum
- Capstone in Higher Education
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Advanced Qualitative Research Methods