Irma Harper, Ed.D.
Associate Professor
Associate Vice Chancellor, Emeritus Texas A&M University System
Office: Remote
Email: iharper@wtamu.edu
Phone: 979-575-2306
Professional Profile
Dr. Harper joined the College of Education and Social Sciences in 2020. She obtained her B.S. in human sciences in 1980 from Stephen F. Austin State University and her M.Ed. with an emphasis in elementary education in 1986 from Texas A&M University-Commerce. She received her EdD. in educational leadership in 2002 from Texas A&M University-Kingsville. Before she arrived at WTAMU, Dr. Harper worked at the Texas A&M University System as an associate vice chancellor of academic affairs. While at the System, Dr. Harper wrote and facilitated over $10,000,000 in national and state grants for the System’s Colleges of Education. Prior to her work at the A&M System, she was a professor at Texas A&M University in Kingsville in the area of teacher preparation and education administration. Before this, she worked in public education, teaching elementary and secondary classes.
Teaching and Related Service
Dr. Harper teaches doctoral-level courses in the Educational Leadership program. She teaches Leadership in Education and the Introduction in Higher Education courses. She also mentors doctoral candidates in their research process. Dr. Harper was the 2022 recipient of the WTAMU Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences instructional responsibilities award.
Research and Creative Activity
Dr. Harper’s research interests include rural school leadership, leadership styles, teacher attrition, and mentoring.