The Asa G. Hilliard III and Barbara A. Sizemore Research Course on African Americans and Education
The Asa G. Hilliard III and Barbara A. Sizemore Research Course on African Americans and Education pairs early career scholars and advanced graduate students directly with some of the most respected researchers in the field to explore questions and methods related to expanding opportunities and improving the experiences of African Americans in education.
During the annual, one-day course, participants are exposed to the fundamentals of developing a research agenda and career focused on conducting research on African American populations in education. Any scholar whose primary research focus is related to broadening opportunities and improving outcomes for African Americans in education may apply to participate.
Details
Registration for 2026 available in December 2025
Contact
Please direct any comments or questions to us via email.
Research Course Directors
Hosted by
Sponsor the Hilliard-Sizemore Research Course
The Hilliard-Sizemore Research Course offers four sponsorship levels for organizations and individuals interested in supporting our mission - developing the next generation of scholars and researchers making impactful contributions to the study of African Americans in education.
For more information on sponsorship opportunities, visit the sponsorship portal below or contact the Hillard Sizemore Administrative Team at Hilliard-Sizemore@msu.edu.
2025 Presenters
"The Asa Hilliard - Barbara Sizemore course was central to my development as a scholar. It opened up networks of support with emerging scholars around the country, connected me to leading mid-and senior-level scholars from around the nation, and aided me in honing my research agenda. My experience in this course advanced the completion of my dissertation and supported me in securing a faculty post at a research institution."
President of California State University, Sacramento
"The Asa Hilliard and Barbara Sizemore Research Course on African Americans in Education was an excellent experience as a result of its seasoned faculty. The faculty all are experts in the field. The mentorship which I received and continue to receive from the faculty is vital to my development as a scholar and practitioner. The Asa Hilliard and Barbara Sizemore Research Course on African Americans in Education assisted me in obtaining my doctoral degree in higher education. I recommend the research course without hesitation."
Director of Programs, Transition and Youth Success Planning at
Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families
In Honor of Asa G. Hilliard IlI and Barbara A. Sizemore
Asa G. Hilliard III, PhD (August 22, 1933 - August 12, 2007) was an American researcher, historian, psychologist, and educational theorist. Hilliard was a preeminent scholar in the fields of education, child development, and social policy and was widely recognized as one of the leading experts in the field of culturally responsive education. His pioneering work on child assessment, teaching and curriculum, and African culture was grounded in his commitment to promote the genius and excellence of all children.
Barbara A. Sizemore, PhD (December 17, 1927 – July 24, 2004) was an American educator, author, and educational theorist. In 1973, she became the first African American woman to head the public school system in a major city, when she was elected superintendent of District of Columbia Public Schools. As a scholar, she made significant contributions to the field of education, particularly in the areas of desegregation, culturally responsive teaching, and academic testing.