Biography
Dr. Becknell is an Assistant Professor of Africana Studies in the School of Teacher Preparation, Administration, and Leadership. His research focuses on race, class, and gender in the United States borderlands and advancing the integration of the Africana Studies Framework across the K–20 educational continuum. He aims to inspire transformative changes in policy and curriculum that promote justice, equity, and inclusivity, empowering educators and students to engage deeply with identity, history, and social justice. Through this work, he seeks to foster an empathetic, inclusive, and liberatory educational environment where Black experiences and knowledge are valued, honored, and celebrated.
Educational Background
Dr. Becknell earned his Ph.D. in Language, Literacy, and Sociocultural Studies and his Bachelor’s in University Studies from the University of New Mexico, along with an M.A. in Criminal Justice Administration from Clark Atlanta University. He is set to receive his M.Div. in Spring 2025 from Chicago Theological Seminary, where he focuses on issues related to Black faith and life within a theological framework.
