Dr. Mary Esther Van Shura is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Education of the University of Pittsburgh with a particular focus on the social and political dynamics of education.
Previously, Dr. Van Shura served as Director of Community Affairs in the Office of the Allegheny County Executive, interfacing on issues of education, human services, ethnic constituencies, and international visitors. Other professional experiences included serving as Director of the State Office for United States Senator Harris Wofford (D-PA), Assistant Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation for the City of Pittsburgh, Director of a non-profit serving individuals with disabilities, and an elementary school teacher in Waverly, New York.
From an electoral perspective, she has coordinated campaigns at the federal, state and local levels, and served as the Teller for the 2020 Electoral College for President-elect Joseph Biden and as an Elector for President-elect Bill Clinton in 1992.
Dr. Van Shura has presented at the University of Pittsburgh Forum for Western Pennsylvania Superintendents, Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools, Pennsylvania Principals Association, and other educational entities. With an appointment by the Governor and a confirmation by the Pennsylvania State Senate, Dr. Van Shura served as a Trustee of Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and the PA Council on Aging. Currently, she serves on the Duquesne University School of Nursing Advisory Board, Remake Learning Council, AARP Pennsylvania Executive Council, and the Bender Leadership Academy Board of Directors, an organization which addresses workforce needs for youth with disabilities
Dr. Van Shura received her Doctor of Education from the University of Pittsburgh, with previous degrees of a Master of Science from the State University of New York at Albany and a Bachelor of Science from College Misericordia in Dallas, Pennsylvania.