College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences

Child Development Lab Administration

Jawan Burwell Headshot
Jawan Burwell, Ed.D.

Jawan Burwell, director

Jawan Burwell, Ed.D., serves as the Director of the Child Development Laboratory (CDL) within the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. With an illustrious career spanning 16 years, Burwell's unwavering commitment to nurturing the potential of young children and their families resonates deeply within both his professional and community endeavors.

Burwell's academic journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Child Development and Family Studies with a specialization in Family Relations from N.C. A&T State University, followed by a Master's degree in Family Life and Youth Development with a focus on Administration and Leadership of Youth and Families from North Carolina State University. His academic pursuits culminated in the attainment of a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) from Walden University.

In addition to his academic achievements, Burwell has acquired prestigious certifications, including the N.C. Early Care and Education Professional Certification-Level 13, the N.C. Administration Credential-Level 3, and the Family Life Education certification from the National Council on Family Relations. Beyond his professional commitments, Burwell is deeply invested in the well-being of his community. He actively serves on various boards and councils advocating for children and families throughout Guilford County and its surrounding areas. Through his active involvement, he strives to address pressing issues and champion initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all community members.

Burwell's exemplary leadership has been recognized with the receipt of prestigious awards, including the Leadership Award. However, his most profound source of fulfillment came through his transformative leadership at CDL, where he led the center to obtain National Accreditation Status with the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Under his guidance, CDL became the eighth early childhood program in Greensboro to achieve this remarkable accomplishment, a testament to his unwavering dedication to excellence in early childhood education.

As an active member of esteemed organizations such as the National Association for Education of Young Children, the National Council on Family Relations, and the National Black Child Development Institute, Burwell remains deeply engaged in the discourse surrounding industry trends and best practices. He firmly believes that nurturing, hands-on learning environments serve as the cornerstone for optimal growth and development in children.

Burwell derives immense satisfaction from witnessing the tangible impact of his efforts on the growth and development of the children under his care. His unwavering dedication to nurturing potential and guiding young minds toward a brighter future serves as a testament to his boundless passion for the field of child development. Providing the highest quality learning and engagement to CDL children and their families is Burwell’s goal; his satisfaction is in having an impact on children’s growth and development.

Research Interests

Parent and family engagement with a specification on fathers, child and family nutrition, culturally responsive practices and assessments, parent and family life education, and mental health awareness.

Publications

  • Burwell, J. Preschool Teachers’ Perspectives on Father Engagement in their Child’s Education. Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 11164. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/11164  
  • McMillan, V., Beasley, J., Williams-Wheeler, M., & Burwell, J. (2021). Embedding Diverse Field Experiences in a Child Development and Family Studies Program. 1-6.
  • Williams-Wheeler, M., Burwell, J, Gravely, G., & Summers-Dawkins, R. (2021). Experiential Learning in a Family Systems Course: Integrating the FCSfit KIDS Curriculum. Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences. 1-7.