University of South Florida

College of Education

Tampa | St. Petersburg | Sarasota-Manatee

Blog

Kahlila Lawrence
Kahlila Lawrence

USF faculty member appointed to the NASP Graduate Education Committee

Kahlila Lawrence, an associate professor of instruction in the school psychology program at the University of South Florida's College of Education, has been appointed to the Graduate Education Committee (GEC) of the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

“I am incredibly proud of Dr. Lawrence for her recent appointment. It is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the field,” said Deirdre Cobb-Roberts, professor and department chair of educational and psychological studies. “We are thrilled about this well-deserved honor and excited for the meaningful contributions she will make in this role.”

The GEC plays a pivotal role in strengthening graduate-level education in school psychology. It offers strategic support in areas such as faculty recruitment and retention, and works in close partnership with the Program Accreditation Board.

In addition to its advisory role, the committee develops and shares practical resources for graduate educators and field-based supervisors. It also leads recognition initiatives that highlight outstanding contributions to the field. The GEC maintains a national database of school psychology programs across the United States and collaborates with other NASP committees and external organizations relevant to graduate education.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to contribute to such an important aspect of our field," said Lawrence. "I look forward to the impact the GEC will have on graduate education this upcoming term."

Lawrence, who earned a Ph.D. in School Psychology from USF in 2008, will serve as one of eight GEC committee members — an appointment that highlights her outstanding contributions to the field. She brings extensive experience supporting students' academic, behavioral, and emotional development across a range of educational settings in Hillsborough County Public Schools. Her leadership has also included roles as a peer evaluator and as a professional development coordinator for a federal school climate initiative.

“Having known Dr. Lawrence since her time as a doctoral student, this moment is especially meaningful,” said Cobb-Roberts. “To see her work, dedication, and commitment come full circle is a true point of pride.”

At USF, Lawrence teaches and mentors graduate students in the school psychology program and serves as a faculty affiliate with the Institute for School-Community Partnerships. She is also a co-principal investigator for Project TIERS, a grant-funded initiative focused on expanding access to mental health services in high-needs schools and addressing the shortage of school psychologists in Title I settings. Her appointment to the GEC underscores her dedication to advancing graduate education and preparing the next generation of school psychologists nationwide.

“Congratulations, Dr. Lawrence! Your leadership continues to elevate both the program and the profession,” Cobb-Roberts said.

Return to article listing

About the USF College of Education:

As the home for more than 2,200 students and 130 faculty members across three campuses, the University of South Florida College of Education offers state-of-the-art teacher training and collegial graduate studies designed to empower educational leaders. Our college is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and our educator preparation programs are fully approved by the Florida Department of Education.