Radford's next Dean of the College of Education and Human Development selected

Colley-Kenna

Dr. Kenna Colley, dean of the College of Education and Human Development

Dr. Kenna Colley has been selected as Radford University's next dean of the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD).

The selection follows a national search and a series of on-campus candidate interviews and presentations.

Colley currently serves as director of CEHD's School of Teacher Education and Leadership (STEL).

Colley will begin serving in her new role July 1. Patricia Shoemaker has served at Radford University since 1987 and as CEHD dean since 2007. Dr. Shoemaker plans to rejoin the CEHD faculty in a teaching role.

"Dr. Colley is a true servant-leader, a courageous child advocate, and an individual of high integrity and commitment to continuous improvement," said Sam Minner, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. "She will be a great addition to the Academic Affairs Leadership Team and will strengthen what is already a wonderful group of leaders."

The dean search committee recommended Colley from a competitive field of more than 30 candidates with a wide variety of experiences and skills. The search committee was composed of seven members representing each CEHD department and program, two of the college's undergraduate students and a graduate student.

In searching for the next dean, the committee was charged with recommending to the provost, candidates who had a record of administrative experience leading complex organizations, teaching excellence, scholarly activity, fostering professional development, service to the community, collaborative leadership, an innovative vision and experience in fundraising.

"The search committee was professional and focused on finding the candidate who would continue the legacy of outstanding leadership Dean Shoemaker has provided the college over the years," said School of Teacher Education and Leadership Associate Professor Kristan Morrison, who led the committee.

"Radford University's heritage began with training and educating school teachers to meet the growing needs of the Commonwealth, and which continues today with CEHD's excellent reputation of developing the future educators and leaders who play such an important role in the education of the next generation," said President Penelope W. Kyle. "I would like to thank Dean Shoemaker for her many years of dedication and commitment to leading the College of Education and Human Development and congratulate Dr. Colley on her selection as the next dean. I look forward to her service and leadership of CEHD as we continue to advance Radford University in its service to our students and the Commonwealth."

Colley's association with Radford University began in 1996 when she became the first coordinator for CEHD's Training and Technical Assistance Center (T/TAC), providing long-term technical assistance, professional development and student support to 34 school divisions in Southwestern Virginia.

During the same year, Colley began to teach as an adjunct faculty member for the university's Special Education Department, instructing undergraduate and graduate level courses, assisting with curriculum updates and providing supervision to student teachers.

Colley was promoted to co-director of the T/TAC in 2000. In 2004 she was hired in a tenure track position as an assistant professor of special education.

Colley earned her Bachelor of Science in Special Education from State University of New York at Geneseo, her Master of Science in Special Education from The Johns Hopkins University and her Doctor of Education in Teaching and Learning from Virginia Tech.

Radford University’s College of Education and Human Development has more than 30 undergraduate and graduate programs in the college’s academic divisions - School of Teacher Education and Leadership, Appalachian Studies, Department of Health and Human Performance, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Peace Studies, Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism and the Department of Counselor Education.

Apr 16, 2015