Education
BA in Economics, Wake Forest University
MA in Applied Economics, University of North Carolina-Greensboro
PhD in Public Policy, UMBC
EdD in Education Leadership, JHU
Biography
Carey Borkoski, Ed.D., Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the School of Education’s Department of Education Specialties, where she teaches and advises students in the Master of Education Leadership and Executive Leadership programs. She also serves as the Program Director for the Education Leadership programs, which include the M.Ed., an accelerated Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC), and a flexible PMC option.
Carey brings deep expertise in student onboarding, coaching, leadership development, and identity formation – work that aligns powerfully with Loyola’s mission of educating the whole person. She currently leads a team that is developing and implementing a comprehensive Coaching Certification program. In addition, she is spearheading an initiative to integrate coaching experiences into graduate programs across the School of Education, staff development opportunities, and partnerships with organizations beyond Loyola.
Her research explores the intersections of belonging, leadership, and learning. She has published and presented nationally on topics including faculty identity development, value congruence, grief and belonging, instructional innovation, and cultivating inclusive and connected learning environments. Carey is the author of Dancing with Discomfort, which explores the inner work of navigating transitions. Her second book, Tell Me This: Voices, Stories, and Scholarship of Belonging–co-authored with Dr. Brianne Roos–draws on research and storytelling to explore the concept of belonging in schools, leadership, and community.
Carey’s current research examines the connection between grief and belonging. Together with Dr. Roos, she continues to use data collected through their podcast to explore the lived experiences of individuals navigating grief. These personal accounts encompass a wide range of transitions – from the death of a loved one to divorce, career changes, graduations, empty nesting, and other expected and unexpected life shifts. This work seeks to gain a deeper understanding of how people experience, express, and find meaning through grief, as well as what belonging looks like and the role it plays in their grief journeys.
Carey supports the Center for Equity, Leadership, and Social Justice in Education, contributing to its mission of advancing equity and justice in education through research, programming, and collaboration. As a trained research methodologist, she helps build the School of Education’s research capacity and fosters interdisciplinary partnerships. Through scholarship, coaching, and intentional teaching practices, she is committed to supporting Loyola’s diverse and talented students and reimagining the future of educational leadership.