Remembering Michael P. Brady, Ph.D.

May 24, 1954 - Dec. 16, 2021

Dr. Michael P. Brady served as chair of the Department of Special Education (formerly known as the Department of Exceptional Student Education) for 21 years. He was a son of the late M. Sgt. Donald E. Brady and Elizabeth D. Brady. Raised in New Jersey, Michael later lived in Hawaii, American Samoa, Tennessee, Texas, and Florida. He earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Hawaii and Doctorate in Special Education from Vanderbilt University-George Peabody College. Dr. Brady taught at The Community College of Micronesia, University of Houston and Florida International University prior to joining the faculty of Florida Atlantic University (FAU) in 2000.

Dr. Brady’s scholarly record is long and prestigious. He published over 120 articles and made 160 professional presentations during his career. He exhibited rewarding grantsmanship, garnering over 4 million dollars to support teacher preparation and educational opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities. In 2016, Dr. Brady and others started the Academy for Community Inclusion (ACI), a college certificate program for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also worked extensively to promote graduate education in special education, with a special emphasis on doctoral education. During his career, he chaired and/or served on 49 dissertation committees (25 at FAU). Professor Brady was voted the University Scholar of the Year in 2018 at FAU and the Senior Scholar by the Eastern Educational Research Association.

However, Brady’s work was not confined to academics. He was an avid diver, widely known as a highly skilled scuba instructor, and certified by the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI). He also served as FAU’s scuba diving club advisor, and was recognized as Club Advisor of the Year in 2008. Most memorable is Brady’s strong advocacy for people with the most severe disabilities, his student-centered approach to any issue, and the fervor with which he approached mentoring many in his field.

Mike is survived by his long-time partner Dawn Furlan, brother Donald E. Brady, Jr. (Laura Marshall) of Maryland, aunts, an uncle, cousins, a host of professional colleagues and friends. Needless to say, his absence will be mourned by his family, friends, and colleagues near and far.

In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the Dr. Michael P. Brady Memorial Scholarship for Doctoral Education in Special Education, which will support the education of students who share Mike’s passion for the education and treatment of folks with disabilities across the lifespan.