CEC Announces Andrea D. Jasper, Ph.D., as 2022 President-Elect

Arlington, Va. ― The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is pleased to announce Andrea D. Jasper, Ph.D., has been named 2022 CEC President-Elect. Andrea will assume the presidency on January 1, 2023, overseeing CEC’s committees and Board of Directors and providing critical leadership on the organization’s planning and programs. 

Andrea is a Professor of Special Education in the Department of Counseling and Special Education at Central Michigan University. She has always had a heart for and interest in individuals with disabilities, as her youngest brother is an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She started her career as a direct care provider in Indiana, and worked as a paraeducator and special educator while earning her degrees. 

"I am very passionate about special education and preparing leaders in our field,” said Andrea. “We need the voices of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) educators so that we can better understand their concerns and those of the students and families that they serve.” 

As part of her leadership goals, she is interested in is getting more BIPOC members engaged in leadership positions within CEC at all levels.  

“Representation is important, and we need all voices at the table to ensure we fully meet the mission of CEC,” says Andrea. 

Andrea has a long history as a CEC leader and volunteer, serving on CEC’s Board of Directors and countless committees. She is also active in several CEC Special Interest Divisions, including the Division for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners (DDEL), the Division on Autism and Developmental Disabilities (DADD), and the Teacher Education Division (TED). She recently completed her term as the president of the Michigan Council for Exceptional Children. 

“We are thrilled that Andrea has been elected to this role,” said CEC President Dr. Dennis Cavitt. “She brings with her a wealth of experience and a critical perspective, which is exactly what we need to achieve our collective mission.” 

After receiving her B.A. in African American Studies from Purdue University, Andrea went on to earn her Master of Science in special education. In 2011, she completed her doctorate degree in special education from Purdue University. 

About Us 

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the leading association of educators dedicated to advancing the success of children and youth with exceptionalities through advocacy, standards, and professional development. 

Media Contacts 

Annie Drinkard  Director of Communications and Publications, Council for Exceptional Children  adrinkard@exceptionalchildren.org  

Heather Smith  Executive Director of Communications, Central Michigan University  hutch1hl@cmich.edu