Aug. 8, 2022

All – It’s been great connecting with so many of you over the last week. I write today to update you on a finalized leadership team staffing structure beginning now and in September.

As previously shared, Kristen Hassett is serving as interim chair for the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Department. She joins Margaret Hale and Nathan Smith, who are continuing in their roles as department chair for Curriculum and Instruction and Psychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, respectively. Ezemenari Obasi will continue as Associate Dean for Research, and Ericka Mellon, Paul Roch, Tim Rosas, and Jaha Williams will continue in their staff leadership roles.

Tiffany Davis will join the leadership team as Associate Dean for Student Equity, Belonging, and Success (formally beginning September 1). Her deep scholar and scholar practitioner expertise in student affairs and support services will bring continued strong leadership to a unit that will combine the current responsibilities of the offices of undergraduate and graduate studies toward an increasingly holistic focus on student success.

Mimi Lee will serve as Associate Dean for Faculty and Staff Equity, Belonging, and Success (also formally beginning September 1). This role is intended, broadly, to provide direct support to faculty and staff in ways that advance personal professional goals and the mission of the College. Mimi’s scholarly and scholar practitioner work in leadership development will be an invaluable frame for fully developing and implementing a successful effort at scale.

These new AD positions also begin to codify and embed through organizational structure our shared commitment to equity, justice, and belonging. I want to thank the members of the Committee to Advance Equity, Justice, and Belonging, co-chaired by Tiffany and Sam Brower, and the FEC for their instrumental work to bring us to this next step.

I know the next few weeks will be ones of transition on top of the general business of getting the year started. I’ve already begun conversations with FEC leadership and will share more with the full College about our strategic plans for the fall at our back-to-school breakfast Aug. 19. In the interim, I am very glad to meet as is helpful in small groups to be in support of each of you and your efforts.

The College of Education has so much strength within us and opportunity in front of us; I can’t wait for the collective difference making this year will bring. Thank you, in advance, for your support of each other and the communities we serve.

Best,