Myra Polite

Adjunct Lecturer

Africana Studies

Office shot of Myra Polite

I am a proud alumna of Stony Brook University, where I earned Master’s degrees in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration. My academic and professional journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing educational equity, social justice, student development, and inclusive practices within higher education.

My interdisciplinary background has provided me with a broad perspective on the social, cultural, and institutional factors that influence individuals, communities, and educational environments. In the spring of 2024, I was selected to participate in an Anti-Racism Pedagogy Workshop sponsored by the Stony Brook University Provost’s Office. The workshop offered an important opportunity to critically examine teaching and learning through the lens of anti-racist pedagogy, social justice, and inclusive curriculum development. As part of the culminating project, I developed an annotated syllabus focused on social justice, incorporating pedagogical strategies and course materials designed to encourage critical inquiry and meaningful engagement with issues of race, equity, identity, power, and social inequality. I was honored that my annotated syllabus received an excellent review, affirming the academic rigor and relevance of the work.

My academic interests are grounded in the interdisciplinary fields of Social Work and Africana Studies, with particular interests in social justice, educational equity, race and culture, structural inequality, community engagement, and the experiences of historically marginalized populations. I have a special interest in exploring how educational institutions can become more inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs and experiences of their students and communities. Building upon my academic preparation and professional experiences, I am looking forward to furthering my education as a PhD student in Educational Leadership. Through doctoral study, I hope to expand my scholarly knowledge, strengthen my research and leadership skills, and contribute to meaningful conversations surrounding educational policy, institutional leadership, equity, and social justice. My long-term goal is

to use scholarship, teaching, and leadership to support transformative educational practices and promote greater access, inclusion, and opportunity within higher education.