Message from the Dean
Summer 2017
As students return to class for the start of the fall semester, I am enjoying hearing Benjamin Building buzz with excitement and activity. Over the past two months as dean, I have been busy engaging with stakeholders connected to the College, working to build relationships and develop plans that help advance the College’s role as a leader in the education field.
I am excited to share with you some of the new initiatives underway at the College, but before we look forward to the upcoming year, it is important to acknowledge the tragedy that occurred at the closing of last year. In May, Second Lt. Richard Collins III, a student at Bowie State University, was murdered on our campus. In solidarity and respect, both communities observed a Moment of Reflection to honor his life on Aug. 30 from 12:05 pm to 12:06 pm. Like many universities, the University of Maryland is working to address increasing instances of hate and bias and create a safer campus. The challenges that our campus and our nation are facing with respect to promoting a safe environment committed to principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion are perhaps our most significant challenges.
The work of this College has long reflected the principles of both excellence and equity, in our scholarship and our initiatives. That said, we still have work to do, and we stand ready for that challenge. Our newly created Center for Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education, housed in the Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education and in collaboration with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, positions us to be a national leader for research, discourse, and practice in this area.
As the flagship institution for the state of Maryland, the College is committed to meeting the needs of the state through our programs and our research. Our new Center for Educational Innovation and Improvement will help foster partnerships between the College and our local and state partners to develop innovative initiatives that advance teaching, leadership, and learning. The Center’s inaugural director, Segun Eubanks, is also chair of the Prince George’s County Board of Education and I am delighted that he is joining our faculty as a visiting professor.
Finally, I’d like to welcome nine new faculty to the College of Education, who bring a wide range of expertise and experience, all of which will benefit our students and their academic paths.
As dean, I am proud to lead the College of Education, which plays a critical leadership role on campus, throughout the state, and on a national level. I look forward to advancing the good work of our students and alumni in the field of education.
Best,
Jennifer K. Rice
Dean and Professor
University of Maryland College of Education