Dr. Lisa Coscia has served as SEU’s dean of the College of Education since July 2022, leading the department with excellence and a deep sense of calling. An SEU alumna from the class of 1990, she credits SEU with shaping her identity as an educator and leader. Now, she considers it a privilege to invest in the next generation of teachers who will shape classrooms and communities around the world.
A Calling That Led Her Back to SEU
Before becoming the dean of the College of Education, Dr. Coscia spent more than 20 years in PreK–12 education, serving as a classroom teacher in both public and private schools, principal at Victory Christian Academy in Lakeland, and later as superintendent at Okinawa Christian School International in Japan. She also served on SEU’s faculty from 2016 to 2022 as chair and liaison for undergraduate teacher preparation programs.
Her leadership now encompasses undergraduate and graduate programs; the Pathways School of Excellence; the Link program for students with intellectual disabilities; and SEU’s Robert and Sandra Graper Early Childhood Center, which will serve children ages zero to four through a classical education model while operating as a hands-on lab school for SEU students.
“It is both a calling and a joy to lead SEU’s College of Education,” shares Dr. Coscia.
Returning to SEU was something she always hoped for, and stepping into the role of being the dean of SEU’s College of Education has allowed her to steward that calling.
Dr. Coscia’s Inspiring Leadership
For Dr. Coscia, the heart of her work lies in watching SEU students recognize that teaching is not just a profession, but their mission. Equipping future educators who combine academic excellence with Christ-centered compassion is what motivates her daily.
She also finds joy in the sense of unity shared among SEU’s leadership, faculty, and staff.
Dr. Coscia shared that, “Collaboration and camaraderie allow us to lead with innovation and intentionality.”
From executive leaders to classroom faculty, she values the collective effort of shaping students’ lives and expanding SEU’s global reach.
When reflecting on what she has learned throughout her career, Dr. Coscia’s leadership is centered around intentionality. She often shares the Five B’s, which are her personal guideposts for effective leadership: be poised, be prepared, be a problem solver, be positive, and be present. These principles not only shape her approach to her role as dean but also influence the culture she is cultivating within the College of Education.
While many factors go into choosing a university, Dr. Coscia believes there are essential qualities that help create a transformative college experience. She encourages students to look for environments that offer mentorship, experiential learning, and spiritual growth — all values that define SEU’s College of Education.
A Leader Who Brings the World to SEU
Dr. Coscia’s leadership is also enriched by extensive global experience. She has delivered professional development worldwide, served on international accreditation teams, initiated global school partnerships, and contributed to outreach projects across multiple continents.
Her global perspective helps SEU prepare educators who understand the diverse realities of classrooms around the world, equipping them to serve locally and internationally.
What Sets SEU’s College of Education Apart
SEUs College of Education highly values providing mentorship for its students. Faculty walk alongside students throughout their academic journey. This student-first approach ensures that aspiring teachers not only receive strong pedagogical training but also feel personally supported.
Students also benefit from hands-on experiences, including micro-teaching, working at Pathways School of Excellence. They will also be able to gain experience at the Robert and Sandra Graper Early Childhood Center after its opening in fall 2026. These opportunities allow students to apply what they’ve learned in real classrooms and develop their confidence as future educators.
The Importance of Faith & Innovation
For Dr. Coscia, faith shapes every decision, interaction, and initiative within the department. As she explains, “Our Christian worldview is the lens that everything we do and think goes through.”
Innovation is a defining characteristic of Dr. Coscia’s leadership. Under her leadership, the College of Education embraces cross-training, collaboration, and creativity in both instruction and research. Graduate faculty are even pioneering new ways to integrate AI into their courses, from transforming scholarly articles into podcasts to helping doctoral students brainstorm research topics. These efforts ensure that SEU graduates are not only prepared for the classroom but also positioned to lead in an evolving educational landscape.
Under Dr. Coscia’s leadership, SEU’s College of Education continues to shape a culture grounded in support and a shared dedication to developing strong educators.
The result is a learning community that empowers students to step boldly into the classrooms they’re called to lead.
Learn More
Lisa Coscia Faculty Bio
SEU’s College of Education
Pathways School of Excellence
SEU Link
Robert and Sandra Graper Early Childhood Center
Apply to SEU
