As the fall semester comes to a close, the first where I have served as dean for the College of Education, I am energized by new developments and achievements occurring at COE.
We launched two new centers this fall, both of which meet important needs in the educational field and advance the College’s role as a leader in policy and research. COE’s Center for Educational Innovation and Improvement is designed to foster collaborative partnerships among the university and area school systems that serve to address pressing issues in PK-12 education. The university’s Center for Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education, housed in the Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education, provides a national hub for research, policy, professional standards, and consultation for universities on critical issues related to diversity and inclusion in higher education.
At a time when diversity issues are front and center in higher education and PK-12 school systems are seeking research that addresses their evolving needs, both Centers utilize COE expertise to develop scholarship and partnerships that make a significant impact on the state and nation.
Our faculty and student researchers are consistently recognized for their contributions to the field. This fall, COE’s doctoral program in human development was ranked #4 among human development and family science doctoral programs in North America, finding good company with many of our other top-ranked programs.
The College’s teaching students and alumni are also a valuable and sought after asset in classrooms. In November, at our annual networking event that brings together COE’s teacher education students and alumni in the field, I was reminded of the multitude of leadership roles our alumni hold across the state, as well as the passion that our student and alumni educators bring to their work. As I noted in my presentation at the event, COE graduates’ early career trajectories are impressive, with 96 percent of the College’s 2016 bachelor-level graduates employed full or part time or continuing their education post-graduation.
Finally, our College’s strategic planning process is underway with workgroups that are engaging the College community in thoughtful conversations about key challenges and exciting opportunities in the areas of scholarship, partnerships, educator preparation, and innovative instructional programs. With a clear vision and a set of strategic priorities, the College will be well positioned to build on its impact on policy, practice, and scholarship.
I look forward to celebrating this year’s graduates at Winter Commencement and wish the College of Education community a joyful winter break and a happy New Year.
Best,
Jennifer K. Rice
Dean of the UMD College of Education