As we look to the promise of a new academic year, I am both honored and humbled to serve as interim dean. I am confident we are poised to engage in meaningful work that positively impacts the lives of South Carolinians, as well as those who live beyond our state. In the midst of a global pandemic, the faculty and staff in the College of Education have continued to design innovative academic programming, generate new knowledge through impactful scholarship and provide meaningful service to the university and school and professional communities. Without a doubt, their work has contributed significantly to the physical, academic, mental and emotional well-being of children and families who continue to be impacted by the pandemic.

The College of Education remains committed to teaching, research and service that supports efforts to combat racism, anti-Blackness and prejudice in all its forms. Indeed, education has always played a central role in justice-oriented work and our contributions to that work are as important today as ever before. Through our curricula, Museum of Education exhibits, special institutes, professional learning opportunities and innovative programs such as the Apple Core Initiative, the Holmes Scholars program and the Carolina Collaborative for Alternative Preparation, the College of Education continues to provide our community with a variety of innovative engagements and demonstrations that illustrate the ways in which we are committed to a more just society.

The College of Education recently launched CarolinaCrED, formerly known as the Office of Educational Outreach, designed to provide a suite of personalized professional learning services to educational entities across our state. CarolinaCrED houses our celebrated CarolinaCAP and Carolina Teacher Induction Programs. It has expanded to include customized degree programs, micro-credentials and wrap-around support services, giving education professionals, schools and districts the opportunity to build capacity for engaging, equipping and elevating educators to reimagine their own futures and to improve learning for all students in South Carolina.

Even with these advancements, the College of Education is committed to continuing our innovative space for students, faculty and staff to seed new ideas and expand upon the promise of a world-class education for all students in South Carolina. As the state’s flagship institution, we not only have the opportunity but an obligation to elevate our state through our teaching, scholarship and service. That work is well underway, and I am committed to supporting the College of Education family and its stakeholders in ensuring a brighter future for all South Carolinians.

Forever to Thee!