• Ph D, Educational Administration, Texas A&M University, 2022
• MS, Marketing, Texas A&M University, 2017
• MA, Educational Psychology, University of California at Los Angeles, 2013
• BA, Comparative Literature, University of California at Irvine, 2009

• Human Research, Group 2, CITI Program

• Breakout Kit , USDs Center for Teaching and Learning

Citations listed below are presented in a standardized, modified format for display purposes only. They do not necessarily reflect the preferred style and conventions of the faculty member or discipline.

• Grichko, Vassa, Schamber, Betsy, Hall, Shanice, Termansen, Kari, Swank, David, Barker, David, and Lehmann, Erin. Dissertation 2.0: An action research study on adapting with AI, 33–41. Vol. 10, Iss. 1 Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice, 2025. (DOI: https://doi.org/10.5195/ie.2025.468 )
• Van Regenmorter, Abi, Lehmann, Erin, Grichko, Vassa, and Newland, Lisa. The complex art of wearing multiple hats: A case study of dual-role administrators in rural school districts. Vol. 46, Iss. 1 (DOI: 10.55533/2643-9662.1435)
• Shonerd, Tiffany, Grichko, Vassa, and Lehmann, Erin. Transferability of Critical thinking in rural pre-service teachers’ classrooms, 66–88. Vol. 15, Iss. 1 Theory and Practice in Rural Education, 2025. (DOI: 10.3776/tpre.2025.v15n1p66-88)
• Mulder, Sheila, Lehmann, Erin, and Grichko, Vassa. Empowering Teacher Supervisors: A Case Study on the Impact of an Instructional Walkthrough Tool. Journal of Educational Supervision.

• Outstanding Research Mentor Nominee, University of South Dakota, 2025
• Belbas-Larson Award in Teaching Excellence Nominee, University of South Dakota, 2025
• School of Education Research Excellence Award Nominee, University of South Dakota, 2024
• School of Education Teaching Excellence Award Nominee, University of South Dakota, 2024
• Belbas-Larson Award in Teaching Excellence Nominee, University of South Dakota, 2024
• Belbas-Larson Award in Teaching Excellence Nominee, University of South Dakota, 2023

• Grichko, Vassa, Panel on College Teaching., Zoom. (September 08, 2025)
• Schamber, Betsy, Mulder, Sheila, Grichko, Vassa, and Lehmann, Erin, Exploring University Supervisor Perceptions of AI Feedback in Preservice Teachers’ Field Experiences. Presented at the International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership (ICPEL) 2025 virtual conference, Virtual. (July 30, 2025)
• Lehmann, Erin, and Grichko, Vassa, Embedding Wellbeing in Doctoral Education: Student Experiences Shaping Sustainable, Supportive Program Design. Presented at the International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership (ICPEL) 2025 virtual conference, Virtual. (July 29, 2025)
• Swank, David, Barker, David, Lehmann, Erin, and Grichko, Vassa, Navigating the AI Frontier: A Beginners’ Guide for K-12 Principals. Presented at the TIE Conference 25, Rapid City, SD. (April 28, 2025)
• Schamber, Betsy, Grichko, Vassa, Mulder, Sheila, and Lehmann, Erin, Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Learning Outcomes in Preservice Teachers' Classrooms. Presented at the Conference on Learning and Student Success, San Juan, Puerto Rico & Online. (April 05, 2025)
• Mulder, Sheila, Lehmann, Erin, and Grichko, Vassa, Bridging the Gap: Feedback-Driven Alignment of Teacher Preparation Standards and Professionalism. Presented at the Association of Teacher Educators Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA. (March 10, 2025)
• Grichko, Vassa, and Musoba, Glenda, Generative Identity: The Intersection of AI and Doctoral Students’ Developing Research Identities. Presented at the ASHE 49th Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN, USA. (November 22, 2024)
• Barnett, Julie, Grichko, Vassa, Driver, James, and Custis, Tyler, “We Price Match!”: How Environmental Forces Adjust Tuition Rates. Presented at the ASHE 49th Annual Conference, Minneapolis, MN, USA. (November 21, 2024)
• Grichko, Vassa, Lehmann, Erin, Barker, David, and Swank, David, Designing Guidelines on (In)Appropriate AI Use for Dissertations. Presented at the 2024 CPED Convening, Honolulu, Hawaii & Virtual. (October 30, 2024)
• Grichko, Vassa, and Hall, Shanice, Leveraging Self-Assessment to Transform Doctoral Students into Researchers. Presented at the 2024 CPED Convening, Honolulu, Hawaii & Virtual. (October 30, 2024)
• Grichko, Vassa, Lehmann, Erin, Swank, David, and Barker, David, Empowering Educators by Ethically Incorporating AI. Presented at the 2024 South Dakota Higher Education Association Annual Conference, Rapid City, SD. (October 03, 2024)
• Grichko, Vassa, Swank, David, Barker, David, and Lehmann, Erin, Dissertation 2.0: An Action Research Study on Adapting with AI in Ed Leadership. Presented at the International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership (ICPEL) Conference, Virtual. (July 30, 2024)
• Barker, David, Swank, David, Grichko, Vassa, and Lehmann, Erin, Reigniting Your Spark: Connecting Strengths to Possibilities. Presented at the TIE Conference 24, Sioux Falls, SD. (April 16, 2024)
• Swank, David, Lehmann, Erin, Grichko, Vassa, and Barker, David, Data-Driven:Navigating the Roadmap of School Improvement. Presented at the TIE Conference 24, Rapid City, South Dakota. (April 15, 2024)
• Swank, David, Grichko, Vassa, Barker, David, and Lehmann, Erin, Escaping the Tyranny of Grades. Presented at the TIE Conference 24, Rapid City, South Dakota. (April 15, 2024)
• Barker, David, Swank, David, Grichko, Vassa, and Lehmann, Erin, Reconnect to Research: Scholar Practitioners as Change Agents. Presented at the TIE Conference 24, Sioux Falls, SD. (April 15, 2024)
• Grichko, Vassa, Lehmann, Erin, Swank, David, and Barker, David, Transforming Knowledge: The Value of Co-Teaching with EdD Scholar-Practitioners. Presented at the 2023 CPED Convening, Pensacola, FL. (October 06, 2023)
• Lehmann, Erin, Swank, David, and Grichko, Vassa, Workshop I: Escaping the Tyranny of Grades: Ungrading Edition . Presented at the 2023 CPED Convening, Pensacola, FL. (October 04, 2023)