‘Energy and excitement!’: 15 new faculty join the College

Not one, not two, but 15 new faculty members began this semester in the College of Education!

“We could not be more delighted to welcome our 15 newest faculty members,” said Phillip J. VanFossen, interim dean of the College of Education. “This is the largest cohort of new faculty in my 26 years in the College.”

“We are very excited to have nine new tenure-track clinical and visiting faculty joining us this fall in Curriculum and Instruction,” said Janet Alsup, head of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. “Their scholarly areas are also diverse, ranging from literacy and language education and social studies – to curriculum theory and family and consumer sciences. Their expertise will complement and enhance the innovative work of Curriculum and Instruction faculty.”

“We are delighted to welcome our six new faculty members, who collectively bring advanced expertise, scholarship, and innovation in teaching and learning and research methodology to our students and faculty,” said Ala Samarapungavan, interim head of the Department of Educational Studies.

The new faculty will contribute to helping the College meet its new Innovation Initiatives: 1) guaranteed, specialized preparation in meeting the needs of diverse learners; more hands-on experience; year-long student teaching; community-based learning experiences; preparation in virtual instruction; and induction and mentoring for new teachers.

“Already a number of current faculty have commented to me that the energy and excitement around the arrival of our newest faculty is palpable!” VanFossen said.

Welcome new faculty!