Cathy Eschete

Biography

Dr. Cathy Eschete serves as Associate Dean and Associate Professor in Belmont University's College of Education. With more than two decades of experience spanning P-12 education, special education, educator preparation, accreditation, and higher education leadership, she is passionate about preparing educators who make a lasting impact in schools, communities, and the lives of their students. In her leadership role, she provides strategic oversight for academic programs, curriculum development, accreditation initiatives, student success efforts, faculty support, and long-term planning across the College of Education.

Prior to serving as Associate Dean, Dr. Eschete held several leadership roles at Belmont University, including Director of Clinical Practice, CAEP Coordinator, Assistant Professor, and Lecturer. Throughout her tenure, she has led accreditation efforts, strengthened partnerships with school districts, supported innovative program development, and championed initiatives designed to improve student success and educator preparation. Her work is grounded in the belief that educational excellence, meaningful relationships, and purposeful service are essential to transforming lives and communities.

Dr. Eschete earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Special Education from Louisiana Christian University (formerly Louisiana College), her Master of Arts in Special Education from California State University Stanislaus, and her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Special Education from Louisiana State University. Prior to entering higher education, she served as a middle school special education teacher and later as a Clinical Supervisor providing early intervention services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder while consulting with school districts to strengthen special education programs and supports.
Her scholarship and professional interests include educator preparation, clinical practice, educational leadership, student success, accreditation, special education, and foster care awareness. Dr. Eschete has presented and published nationally on topics related to teacher preparation, instructional practices, resilience, diverse learners, and supporting children and families impacted by foster care. She has also contributed to successful grant-funded initiatives supporting teacher residency programs, rural school leadership, intergenerational ministry, and innovative partnerships that strengthen educational communities and expand opportunities for future educators.

A lifelong advocate for the transformative power of education, Dr. Eschete is deeply committed to mentoring future educators and serving children and families. As both an educator and foster parent, she is passionate about helping educators better understand and support students impacted by foster care and trauma. Her recent work has focused on increasing foster care awareness within educator preparation programs and equipping future teachers with trauma-informed practices that promote student success.
Outside of Belmont, Dr. Eschete enjoys serving through her church, supporting foster care initiatives, investing in her community, and spending time with her husband, Dylan, and their three daughters, Isabella, Presley, and Kennedy. Whether in the classroom, on campus, or in the community, she strives to live out Belmont's mission by helping others lead lives of purpose, service, and impact.

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