Dr. Hawani Negussie

Dr. Hawani Negussie is the Chair and Associate Professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of Massachusetts Global, where she leads innovative programs preparing the next generation of early childhood educators. Her career spans the full spectrum of early childhood care and education (birth–21/PK–16), with experience in direct service, program leadership, policy development, and international research.

Dr. Negussie's pedagogical approach is shaped by her diverse work with children and families across multiple settings, including roles as child life specialist, early interventionist, program director, and early childhood educator. With professional background spanning various sectors and cross-continental experience, she brings transformative insights to education, drawing from local and global perspectives to equip educators serving diverse children, families, and communities. Central to her work is a deep belief in the power of play as a foundational medium for learning and development. In her teaching, she bridges theory and practice by integrating the latest research on play-based learning with practical, community-informed strategies, creating meaningful and impactful educational experiences.

A scholar-practitioner, her research and public scholarship have been featured in The Conversation, Inside Higher Ed, CABI, and the Journal of Educational Leadership. She currently serves on the California Count, Play, Explore Advisory Committee, advocating for inclusive, developmentally appropriate STEAM-focused early learning spaces.

Dr. Negussie is also Founder and Executive Director of Early Childhood Education Ethiopia, a nonprofit expanding access to early learning in rural communities in Ethiopia. The organization gained international recognition as the first early education infrastructure project in Africa registered under the Envision sustainability framework.