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Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska logo

Board of Advisors

The Institute’s Board of Advisors is made up of accomplished early education leaders from across the country who help inform and support the Institute’s work.

Advisors are appointed by the president of the university upon the recommendation of the executive director of the Institute. The board meets annually with the Institute’s executive director and senior staff to offer their insights and recommendations.

Jessie Rasmussen, President of the Buffett Early Childhood Fund, leads efforts to advance early childhood education and support young children and families.

Jessie Rasmussen

President
Buffett Early Childhood Fund

Dr. Thompson provides expert guidance on the application of developmental science to early childhood initiatives, helping to bridge the gap between rigorous research and actionable public policy to support young children and families.

Ross Thompson, Ph.D.

Distinguished Professor of Psychology
University of California, Davis

Dr. Tammy Mann, former CEO of The Campagna Center, is a recognized expert in early childhood development, education advocacy, and nonprofit organizational leadership.

Tammy Mann, Ph.D.

Former Chief Executive Officer
The Campagna Center

As a Distinguished Research Fellow, Dr. Gadsden provides strategic research expertise to the Buffett Institute, guiding efforts to create more equitable and effective early childhood systems that honor the diverse backgrounds and strengths of families and children.

Vivian Gadsden, Ed.D.

William T. Carter Professor of Child Development and Education
Graduate School of Education
University of Pennsylvania

Dr. Kathy Thornburg, Emerita Professor and Director at the University of Missouri, leads professional development initiatives for early childhood educators.

Kathy Thornburg, Ph.D.

Emerita Professor of Education and Director of the Institute for Professional Development
University of Missouri-Columbia

Dr. Sharon Lynn Kagan, Virginia & Leonard Marx Professor of Early Childhood & Family Policy, specializing in global early childhood systems & education policy.

Sharon Lynn Kagan, Ed.D.

Virginia and Leonard Marx Professor of Early Childhood and Family Policy
Teachers College, Columbia University

Adjunct Professor
Child Study Center, Yale University

Emeritus Board Members

Hiram Fitzgerald, Ph.D.
University Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychology and Associate Provost for University Outreach and Engagement, Emeritus
Michigan State University

Eugene Garcia, Ph.D.
Professor of Education Emeritus
Arizona State University

Beth Graue, Ph.D.
Sorenson Professor of Curriculum and Instruction and Director of the Center for Research on Early Childhood Education
University of Wisconsin-Madison

Arnold Sameroff, Ph.D.
Emeritus Professor of Psychology and Emeritus Research Professor, Center for Human Growth and Development
University of Michigan