Dr. Hong earned her Ph.D. in Special Education from Columbia University, in addition to three master’s degrees in Instructional Practices for Diverse Learners, Educational Leadership & Policy, and as a Learning Specialist. She is a three-time recipient of the prestigious Senior Fulbright Scholar, Senior Fulbright Specialist, and Fulbright Hays Fellow awards. In 2014, Dr. Hong was appointed by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Programs as a Speaker Specialist & Expert in Disability and Inclusion, where she consults with Ministries of Education worldwide on behalf of the U.S. Embassy. She was also recognized as the First Honorable Visiting Scholar at the Taiwan Municipal University of Education.

Dr. Hong serves on the Oxford Educational Research Symposium Advisory Board and previously served on the Executive Board of the Council for Exceptional Children—the largest international professional organization dedicated to individuals with disabilities. As a professor for over two decades, she has taught in New York, Hawaii, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Qatar, Turkey, Taiwan, Malaysia, Guatemala, Singapore, and Texas. She is also a certified K-12 special education teacher, school principal, and district superintendent.

Dr. Hong’s research focuses on the barriers students face during their transition to and through college, particularly among first-generation students, first-time college attendees, students with disabilities, and other at-risk populations. She also provides professional development for faculty on high-impact teaching and the cognitive science of learning, emphasizing the development of students’ self-determination. Her expertise in institutional restructuring has led to the design and implementation of evidence-based interventions, programmatic improvements, and sustainable strategies for enrollment, retention, and persistence in both community colleges and four-year institutions.

Dr. Hong is a distinguished recipient of the International Teacher of Honor Award, the University Exemplary Faculty Award, and the Founding Executive Director of P.A.C.E.™—Parents as Advocates for Change in Education. Her leadership spans both higher education and government sectors, including her role as an Education Specialist for the Fairfax County Government in Virginia, Program Coordinator for Special Education, Dean of University College, Special Advisor to Vice Presidents, and most recently, Vice President for Student Success.