Dr. Stacy Eldred, Ph.D.

Dr. Stacy Eldred brings nearly eighteen years of experience in education, dedicated to supporting adult students with disabilities. She currently serves as Professor and Department Chair of the OASIS Program at Saddleback College, where she works closely with students pursuing post-secondary education opportunities.

Dr. Eldred earned her master’s degree in Special Education from Chapman University, along with an Education Specialist credential. Her professional background includes work in K–12 public education as an Adult Transition Teacher and as a Supported Employment and Transition Specialist.

With extensive experience in curriculum development and instructional design, Dr. Eldred creates inclusive, accessible learning experiences for students with diverse needs and abilities. She holds a Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Disability Studies from Chapman University, where her research focuses on advancing inclusive practices in higher education.

Dr. Eldred’s research centers on her Integral Framework for Inclusive Postsecondary Education—an intentional, campus-wide approach that challenges ableism and fosters a culture of belonging and inclusivity for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Her framework illustrates how faculty and administrators contribute individually and collectively through four key components: a Belongingness and Inclusivity Mindset, Disability Knowledge, the Campus Community, and the Postsecondary Education Environment. At its core, this framework emphasizes the importance of providing a spectrum of educational opportunities, meaningful access, and a deep sense of belonging that embraces the full humanity of students with IDD. Dr. Eldred advocates for higher education as a civic and social institution, affirming that active participation in postsecondary education is not only a socially valuable experience but a fundamental human right for all.

In addition to her faculty and research roles, Dr. Eldred is deeply engaged in student life and campus collaboration at Saddleback College. She serves as co-advisor to both the Neurodiversity Union Club and the Superfriends Club, creating inclusive spaces for peer connection and advocacy. She developed Workforce Preparation curriculum and serves as the educational partner for Project SEARCH, supporting students in internship experiences that build real-world job skills. Dr. Eldred also acts as a liaison for the Ralph’s Workforce Program, helping students transition into employment opportunities. Her dedication to inclusive community engagement extends to co-collaborating on Unified events across campus, initiating a partnership between students with disabilities and the Friends of the Library, and teaching courses in the Adult Education Workforce Preparation (AEWP) OASIS program.