Purdue graduate returns ‘home’ to lead College of Education

Dr. Nancy Marchand-Martella

A Boilermaker alumna and first-generation college graduate will be the next dean of the College of Education at Purdue University.

Nancy E. Marchand-Martella, a product of K-12 Indiana public schools (Thorntown Elementary and Western Boone Junior-Senior High School) and 1985 graduate of Purdue’s former School of Humanities, Social Science, and Education, will become the newest dean of the College of Education, effective July 16. She will succeed Maryann Santos, who will return to her faculty appointment in July.

“This is an extraordinarily important appointment,” said Purdue President Mitch Daniels. “Purdue’s teacher education program has never been more crucial, as our state’s economy and the world around us become increasingly STEM-focused. We want Purdue-trained teachers to be the best prepared anywhere, especially at teaching math and scientific disciplines, which today’s young people must master as never before.”

Marchand-Martella has been chair of the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Oklahoma since 2016, where she led department faculty across four program areas. Before that, she spent 21 years at Eastern Washington University, where she served in the departments of Applied Psychology/Counseling, Educational, and Developmental Psychology from 1995-2010; and the Department of Education from 2010-2016. She was graduate program director from 1998-2012. She also served appointments at the University of Montana, Drake University, and Gonzaga University. Her main research interests include multi-tier system of supports providing high-quality instruction and interventions matched to students’ needs; differentiated instruction; classroom management; and effective teaching practices for at-risk learners and students with disabilities.

In addition to her Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue’s Department of Psychology, Marchand-Martella earned a Master of Science degree in behavior analysis and therapy at Southern Illinois University and a Doctor of Philosophy degree at Utah State University.

Marchand-Martella was one of four finalists for the position.

“Dr. Marchand-Martella brings deep experience as an academic leader, a passion for students and learning, and an exciting vision for the future,” said Purdue Provost Jay T. Akridge. “She has worked extensively with PK-12 schools and teachers throughout her career and has a strong record as an education scholar. We are very excited about the future of the college under her leadership.”

Marchand-Martella will lead a college that consists of two interdisciplinary academic departments (Curriculum and Instruction, and Educational Studies) offering teacher education, and undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as strong research and engagement programs. The college also provides leadership for interdisciplinary teacher education programs in the College of Education and five partner colleges: Science, Agriculture, Health and Human Sciences, Liberal Arts and the Purdue Polytechnic Institute.

“I am thrilled not only to return to where it all began for me in higher education, but to lead a dynamic program that is making and will continue to make such an impact on the state in jobs and the economy, quality of life, and most importantly, in developing those teachers who will help shape lives,” Marchand-Martella said. “Purdue’s College of Education is showing itself as a national leader with its online offerings and the exciting Fast Track program that will make a tremendous impact in Indiana.”