Biography
Dr. Lora Battle Bailey is a distinguished higher education executive, scholar, and strategist with over 25 years of experience spanning academic leadership, research development, and national accreditation. She currently serves as the Director of Research Development at Virginia State University (VSU), where she leads efforts to expand faculty research capacity, develop institutional grant strategy, and align strategic priorities with federal funding opportunities. Dr, Bailey plays a key role in expanding Virginia State’s externally funded initiatives, including NSF GRANTED, SCHEV workforce development, and the Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund. Dr. Bailey is also widely recognized and celebrated for her important role in training numerous VSU faculty and administrative leaders to secure their first federal grants, significantly expanding the university’s research and funding footprint. Dr. Bailey has successfully written and secured over $7 million in competitive federal and private grant funding to conduct her own funded research.
Dr. Bailey began her scholarly journey at the University of South Carolina, where her early work as an assistant professor laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to early childhood education, teacher preparation, and service to the academic community. Her leadership roles have included Dean of Education at Indiana University Northwest, Dean and Professor of Early Childhood Education at New Mexico Highlands University, and Executive Director for Accreditation at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she guided national and regional accreditation processes with a focus on continuous improvement and evidence-based practice. As a member of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Council, she contributed to shaping national standards for educator preparation and remains an advocate for quality assurance and equity in higher education.
A prolific writer and speaker, Dr. Bailey has authored numerous articles advocating for early childhood and STEM education and has delivered a plethora of invited presentations at national and international conferences—including discussions focused on academic leadership, research development, and innovative teaching practices. Her scholarship and public engagement reflect her passion for educational access, faculty advancement, and systemic transformation. She is also deeply committed to mentoring doctoral and master-level students, who consistently regard her teaching and service as transformative influences on their professional journeys.
Dr. Bailey holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, an M.A. in the Art of Teaching, and a B.S. in Business Finance from Auburn University. With a unique blend of academic, research, and operational leadership, she brings a visionary yet pragmatic approach to institutional advancement and continues to champion academic excellence, innovation, and equity in higher education.
