John E. Critelli Jr., Ph.D.

Dr. John E. Critelli Jr., PhD, serves as the Director of Grants Development and Administration at the Office of Educational Leadership Learning (OELL) at Florida Atlantic University, where he also leads as Program Director for the FAU-Broward County Public Schools EQUIP Partnership Program. Dr. Critelli began his higher education career in January 2018, making substantial contributions to the University Principal Preparation Initiative (UPPI) sponsored by the Wallace Foundation. His expertise spans enhancing district-university partnerships, redesigning graduate programs, and creating sustainable systems that facilitate continuous program improvement.

In his leadership roles, Dr. Critelli has successfully guided 11 seated administrators and district leaders through a PhD program and has worked closely with 15 aspiring leaders in their MEd program, focusing on leadership for some of the most challenging schools in Broward County Public Schools. As an Adjunct Instructor, he leads the research courses in the MEd School Leaders Program, enriching the academic experience with his practical and strategic insights.

Dr. Critelli is a recognized figure in educational leadership, frequently sharing his research and innovations at major conferences, including the University Council of Educational Administration (UCEA) and the American Educational Research Association (AERA). His presentations often explore the intersection of leadership, policy, and the transformative role of technology in education.

A champion of technology in educational settings, Dr. Critelli promotes the use of artificial intelligence to inspire faculty and students, encouraging them to enhance their work, research, and service through technological advancements. His work not only impacts program efficiency and administrative functions at FAU and its partner districts through the development of Leadership Tracking Systems but also positions him at the forefront of educational innovation and leadership training.