Dear College of Education Community, It is with mixed feelings that I share with you that I will be stepping down as Dean of the College of Education on March 31, 2025. I will be taking on the role of Dean of the School of Education at Indiana University Bloomington. Indiana University allows me to be closer to my family while working at a School of Education with an excellent reputation with faculty, staff, and students engaged in high-quality research, teaching, and service.
I have mixed feelings about this because, while I'm truly excited about the opportunities I will have at IUB and being closer to my children and family, I'm so proud of the work we have done together. I will miss the dedicated faculty, staff, and amazing students at the University of Arizona College of Education.
Serving as your Dean has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have grown so much as a leader, and I appreciate the opportunities afforded to me by the University of Arizona. Together, we have navigated significant challenges, celebrated successes, and built a community I am incredibly proud of. We have faced budgetary and other challenges, but what stands out to me most is the spirit of collaboration and care that defines our college community.
As the Dean of the College of Education at the University of Arizona, I appointed an Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs to oversee all aspects of faculty management. I worked with faculty and staff to support an international partnership with Kozybayev University in Northern Kazakhstan to establish a dual-degree program in the College's mild to moderate disabilities education program. Additionally, we worked with our partners at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), the University of Guanajuato, and the Center of Teaching and Teacher Education (CRESON-Sonora) to renew and strengthen our collaborations. Under my leadership, the College of Education established a Center for Educational Assessment, Research, and Evaluation, initiated an AACTE Holmes Scholars Program to support graduate students of color, launched Inquiry Oasis, a podcast series showcasing faculty and graduate students' research, and launched stackable graduate certificates leading to a master's degree in Sports, Recreation, and Leadership.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Your dedication to our students, commitment to academic excellence, and support for one another have been inspiring. Working alongside such talented and passionate individuals has been a privilege, and I leave with a deep appreciation for everything we have accomplished together.
Interim Provost Ron Marx will soon identify an acting dean to work alongside me. After my last day, they will become the interim dean. This process will help ensure continuity of leadership and ensure that the College's voice is heard as we move into next year's budgeting process. I am excited to see what the College of Education will accomplish in the coming years. I will always advocate for the College and support your incredible work.
Thank you for your trust, partnership, and countless memories. The College of Education at the University of Arizona is "Truly Wonderful."
Indiana University Bloomington names Robert Q. Berry III as new dean of the School of Education
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