From the Dean

During this past year, we have celebrated the College of Education’s 50th anniversary culminating in a special anniversary gala on November 8th.  It has been a year to reminisce about people and times that have contributed to the college’s rich traditions and to recognize the achievements that have become part of the college’s history.  It also has been a year to look to the future for our history is not only our past, it is embedded in who we are today and what we will become.

The School of Education was founded in 1952; and in 1954, it became the College of Education when Michigan State College became Michigan State University.  The college has changed over the years, and there are many pivotal times in the college’s history.  One of those periods began in 1976 when the Institute for Research on Teaching, the IRT as it came to be known, was established.  With federal funding that spanned the next 10 years, the IRT had a profound effect on the College of Education and the profession’s conception of teaching.  The research that emerged from the IRT charted new understandings of teacher thinking, reasoning, and planning in the classroom.  The exciting work at the institute from 1976 to 1986 brought to the college many bright young researchers, creating a critical mass of scholars who would make the college a world-renown nexus for research on teacher thinking and learning.

Today the college remains a vital center for research on teaching and learning and is consistently ranked among the best in the nation.  In addition to being regarded as the best in elementary and secondary education, the college has seven graduate programs ranked in the top ten nationally.  There is a reason for these rankings.  The college has a strong tradition of research and excellence in its academic programs, and a serious commitment to the improvement of education for all individuals.  Given our rich history and the high regard in which our faculty and programs are held, it would be easy to rest on our laurels.  But, this college has never stood still.  Our mission statement emphasizes our focus on leadership in scholarship and service in education.  Leadership requires being out in front—making strides in research to improve education; strides in program development to prepare the best educators, administrators, researchers, and academic leaders; and strides in service to improve the conditions of teaching and learning across the life span. 

The college’s excellence and future are connected to its history, and its rich traditions will shape its future.  The strength of any college rests with its faculty, and this college has been home to many distinguished educators.  

Carole Ames
Dean, College of Education

Our faculty today is world-class and committed to maintaining excellence in all that we do.  It is our hope that you will continue to learn about our faculty and its research and programs through profiles and features in this magazine.  We are in the business of preparing professionals for leadership roles at all levels and across all facets of education.  We conduct pioneering research, develop outstanding academic programs, and provide outreach that makes a difference in the enterprise of teaching and learning.  This is our future.

This year also marked the launch of the university-wide capital campaign.  The theme of the campaign is “Advancing Knowledge, Transforming Lives.”  This theme is reflected in the College of Education’s ambitious fund-raising goals and priorities, which focus especially on scholarships and fellowships for recruiting outstanding students and endowed chairs for recruiting the best faculty scholars. Our alumni have commented how their education at this institution had a profound impact on their lives.  The capital campaign is an opportunity to give back and help transform the lives of others.

As we look to beginning the next 50 years, we are immediately faced with the challenges of difficult economic times.  The weak economy has affected state budgets, and by consequence, budget allocations to higher education.  We are challenged but not daunted in our goals.  We will not compromise our standards and expectations and are looking forward to new initiatives.  Rest assured, we will set our course carefully and cautiously, and we will continue to need your support and advocacy.  As an alum, you are forever linked to this institution and to the College of Education; I hope we can count on your support as we begin our next 50 years.

Carole Ames, Dean