Laura Quaynor, a distinguished educator and researcher known for her remarkable contributions to language, civic education, and English as a second language (ESL) learners, tragically passed away on August 30, 2023, at the age of 41. Her sudden demise has left an indelible void in the field of education, particularly at Johns Hopkins University, where she was an esteemed member of the academic community.
A Rising Star at Johns Hopkins University
Laura Quaynor’s journey at Johns Hopkins began in August 2019 when she joined the institution as an assistant professor in the Doctor of Education (Ed.D) program. Her relentless dedication to her research, her students, and her institution quickly set her on a trajectory towards academic excellence. In a relatively short time, she was named an associate professor and became the chair of the Department of Advanced Studies in Education in 2022, an exceptional achievement that highlighted her extraordinary talents and commitment.
Christopher Morphew, Dean of the School of Education at Johns Hopkins, aptly described Laura Quaynor as a “promising scholar” who left an indelible mark on the university. He emphasized her unwavering dedication to her students, her advocacy for them, and her continuous pursuit of excellence. Her passing has created a void that will be challenging to fill.
A Scholar with a Passion for Civic Education
Laura Quaynor’s research was centered on citizenship and civic education, with a particular focus on how schools implement global citizenship education, especially among English language learners in the United States and Liberia, West Africa. Her fluency in English and French, as well as proficiency in Gã, Twi, Slovak, and Spanish, reflected her diverse linguistic abilities, which greatly enriched her research.
Her career began as an ESL and French immersion teacher in Maryland and Virginia. Over the years, she served as teacher education faculty in South Carolina and Illinois, specializing in ESL/bilingual education. Her profound impact on the field was evidenced by her extensive publication record, with 19 papers published, and her global presence as she presented her research across the globe.
Balancing Excellence in Academia and Family
Laura Quaynor’s career spanned more than two decades, during which she spent four years at the K-12 level and 16 years at the university level. Her dynamic teaching abilities and passion for education led her to mentor countless students throughout her career. She was not only dedicated to her students but also to her family.
Colleagues remember her as a social justice pioneer who was relentless in ensuring students had access to the resources they needed. Her ability to balance her academic pursuits with her dedication to her family is a testament to her strength and resilience.
Legacy and Surviving Family
Laura Quaynor’s legacy will live on through her impactful work and the countless lives she touched through her teaching and research. She is survived by her husband, Samuel Quaynor, and their four children: Leila, Josephine, Lucas, and Gabriel. Additionally, she is survived by her siblings Kathleen, Annmarie, and Robert Stanley, and her parents Keith and Dorothy Stanley.
A Lasting Impact on Education
Laura Quaynor’s untimely passing has left an irreplaceable void in the world of education, particularly at Johns Hopkins University. Her passion for civic education, her dedication to her students, and her advocacy for young scholars will serve as an enduring source of inspiration for educators and researchers in the years to come.
As the academic community mourns her loss, it also celebrates her achievements and contributions to the field of education. Laura Quaynor leaves behind a powerful legacy that will continue to shape the landscape of education, reminding us all of the profound impact one dedicated individual can have on the world of learning.