Dr. Nicci Dowd, Assistant Professor in Marymount University’s School of Education, has begun a one-year term as president of the Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES), a section of the Council for Exceptional Children. She becomes the first African American president in the organization’s 37-year history, a historic milestone reflecting her professional leadership and longstanding commitment to inclusive education.
DISES promotes global knowledge exchange, collaboration, human rights and advocacy for individuals with disabilities. The organization serves as a catalyst for international research, professional development and cross-cultural partnerships in special education.
“My teaching, leadership, mentorship experiences and international partnership work have prepared me to lead DISES with a perspective that values representation, reciprocity and belonging,” Dr. Dowd said. “As DISES president, I carry a deep responsibility to open doors wider by creating the same pathways of mentorship and opportunity that were created for me. I am committed to creating opportunities for members to connect, contribute and grow within a global professional community.”
In her new role, Dr. Dowd plans to strengthen member engagement across DISES committees and expand international partnerships with schools and organizations worldwide. She is currently collaborating with leaders at Matuwa Junior School in Uganda to support the development of its special education program.
“I am committed to establishing DISES global chapters to create more accessible entry points for educators around the world to collaborate and share contextually grounded inclusive practices,” Dr. Dowd explained. “As a starting point, I hope to launch at least one chapter during my presidency that can serve as a model for future growth.”
Dr. Dowd’s path to DISES leadership is closely tied to her Marymount experience. As a graduate student pursuing her M.Ed. in Special Education, she was introduced to the organization by former DISES president Dr. Clara Hauth, who encouraged her involvement. Now a faculty member in Marymount’s School of Education, Dr. Dowd prepares future educators in special education foundations, characteristics and diagnostic and corrective literacy. Her research focuses on supporting African American males with disabilities, developing programs for students with autism and adults with disabilities, and diversity and inclusion in educational technology.
Her international work has further strengthened her global perspective. Most recently, Dr. Dowd conducted research and teacher training in Ghana, collaborating with educators to improve resources and educational access for students with special needs. Through partnerships such as Reach for Uganda, alongside Dr. Elizabeth Langran, she has co-designed professional learning experiences grounded in reciprocal knowledge exchange and culturally responsive practice.
Her DISES presidency also reflects the strength of Marymount’s Special Education program. In 2024, it became the first program in the nation to achieve accreditation from the Council for Exceptional Children under its professional preparation standards, reinforcing the University’s leadership in preparing highly qualified special educators for long-term success.
In the year ahead, Dr. Dowd will advance DISES priorities at the Council for Exceptional Children Convention in Salt Lake City from March 11-14 and the DISES Conference in Peru from July 11-13.
“I aim to deepen collaboration across members and committees by fostering global partnerships and exploring opportunities such as internships, joint projects and professional learning exchanges that support reciprocal learning and capacity building,” Dr. Dowd said. “These efforts are intended to strengthen DISES as a connected global community that not only advances inclusion but cultivates belonging among educators and learners worldwide.”
