Dr. Mila Zhu
Assistant Professor/EDUC Program Area Coordinator
Educational Instruction & Leadership
Morrison 212
Biography
Mila Zhu, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor and the EDUC Program Coordinator at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and the Founding Director of the Center for Asian Resources and Intercultural Studies. Dr. Zhu’s research encompasses curriculum theorizing, philosophical foundations of education, and teacher education, with a recent focus on the integration of Esports and Ludology into educational contexts. Her scholarly contributions, featured in numerous peer-reviewed journals and edited volumes, address pivotal issues at the intersection of education, technology, and society. Before joining Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Dr. Zhu lived, studied, and taught in diverse international settings, including Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Shanghai. This extensive background has enriched her understanding of various educational systems and curricula, enhancing her research and teaching practices, particularly in global education perspectives and comparative education studies.
As a grand winner of the First Asian Youth Piano Competition and a freelance musician, Dr. Zhu uniquely integrates her musical expertise into her pedagogical approach, enriching teacher preparation and curriculum design with a multi-disciplinary perspective. Her research and teaching are dedicated to promoting the role of arts and multicultural education in creating diverse and equitable learning environments.
Dr. Zhu is also the recipient of the 2024 Southeastern Faculty Senate Recognition Award for Outstanding Research and Scholarly Activity, and the 2023 Faculty Senate Recognition Award for Excellence in Teaching. These accolades underscore her commitment to extending her impact within and beyond the campus community, notably working with pre-service teachers and underserved communities to advance educational inclusivity across different contexts. A dedicated educator and researcher, she is passionate about combining scholarly rigor with engaging storytelling, aiming to bridge the gap between academic analysis and enchanting narrative to foster educational experiences that are both intellectually enriching and captivating.