Dr. Hong obtained her Ph.D. from Columbia University in Disability Studies (Mild-Moderate; Cross-Categorical; K-12). She also earned three masters in Instructional Practices for the Diverse Learners, Leadership Policy & Administration, and as a Learning Specialist.

 

She was a three-time recipient of the prestigious Senior Fulbright Scholar, Senior Fulbright Specialist, Fulbright Hays Fellow awards, and the First Honorable Visiting Scholar to Taiwan Municipal University of Education. 

 

In 2014, Dr. Hong was appointed by the U.S. State Department, Bureau of International and Information Programs, as a Speaker Specialist & Expert on Disability and Inclusion where she consults with governmental agencies around the world.

 

Dr. Hong has been a professor for more than twenty-two years and has taught in New York, Texas, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Hawaii, Qatar, and Turkey. She is also a licensed special educator, school principal, and district administrator.

 

Her research examines the barriers students face as they go to and through college.  She also research on the cognitive science of teaching and learning, including the development of self-determination through the ethics of caring. Thus far, her research has been cited in the Handbook of Adult Learning, Wiley Library of Higher Education, Vanderbilt University’s Peabody Recommended Readings, British Library, and the Hong Kong Institute of Education Library.

 

Dr. Hong is the recipient of the International Teacher of Honor award by the Education Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi, and the University Exemplary Faculty Award.

 

She sits on the Advisory Council for the Oxford Educational Research Symposium, past member of the Board of Directors for the Council for Exceptional Children, Past-President of BYU-Hawaii Honor Society, and Founder of P.A.C.E.^™—Parents As Advocates for Change in Education. 

 

Previously, Dr. Hong worked as the Education Specialist for the Virginia Fairfax County Government, Department of Family Services, and Institute for Early Learning. She was the former Special Assistant to Vice President on A.I.D.E. (Access. Inclusion. Diversity. Equity) and 504/ADA Coordinator at BYU-Hawaii. Currently, Dr. Hong is Dean of University College and Professor of Special Education at Texas A&M International University.