Emily K. Gaspar, Ph.D.

Emily K. Gaspar, Ph.D., is a higher education administrator with 20 years of experience serving students and colleagues at universities throughout the United States. Gaspar has extensive experience in senior leadership roles; most recently, Gaspar served in an interim assistant vice president role at Coastal Carolina University as the institution navigated multiple unexpected, challenges and changes. Nimble leadership is a longstanding strength of Gaspar who has made a career of leading teams who support students navigating unanticipated crisis and complex situations. 

Gaspar currently serves as Director of Accessibility and Disability Services at Coastal Carolina University.  Her professional experience also includes Assistant Dean of Students at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, Student Advocacy Coordinator in the Dean of Students Office at the University of Arizona, along with Residence Life experience at Colorado State University (CSU). 

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Arizona State University, Master of Science from CSU, and a doctorate in education sciences with a specialization in higher education administration from CCU. Gaspar received a Fulbright postdoctoral research award hosted by Deakin University from January through May of 2025. Her Fulbright research explored the employment experiences of disability services practitioners, who identify as disabled, and work at institutions of higher education in Australia.

Listen to the Disability Innovation Institute Podcast season four, episode two to hear me interviewed by Prof Jackie Leach Scully from University of New South Wales. 

https://www.disabilityinnovation.unsw.edu.au/news-events/podcast