Dr. Dively earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Eastern Illinois University, and taught high school social studies for two years before earning his Juris Doctor degree from Southern Illinois University School of Law. After five years of practice in various capacities, he returned to P-12 administration and earned a doctorate from Illinois State University.
Most recently, he served as an associate professor and chair of the department of Educational Leadership at Eastern Illinois. In addition, Dr. Dively has worked in various administrative capacities including principal at Carbondale Community High School and executive director of the Illinois Principals Association. He has taught a variety of courses related to P-12 Educational Leadership including School Law, Research Methods, Principalship, School Community Relations and Personnel. Education Law--particularly First Amendment, Tort, and School Equity Funding are his primary interests. Dr. Dively has been honored with awards by both the Eastern Illinois University Graduate School (50 Outstanding Graduate Alumni) and the Illinois State University College of Education (Hall of Fame). As a presenter and consultant, he has assisted several Illinois districts with various issues, including reorganization initiatives. Dr. Dively joined EAHE September 1, 2014. He is married to Dr. Ronda Leathers Dively, Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Composition and Director of the Writing Program at SIU.
