It has been my honor to serve as Dean of the College of Education over the past six years. The College has a proud history and continues to be a leader locally and beyond. Recently the US News and World Report rankings placed the College within the top 100 nationally (65th), and among the top 50 public institutions nationally. SDSU’s College of Education was the only CSU ranked in those categories. In addition, the rehabilitation counseling program continues to be ranked in the top 10 nationally.
While rankings are important, more critical is the role the College plays in the “lives of the people it serves”. The College plays a critical role in numerous school districts in developing innovative practices, the use of mobile technology for teaching and learning, community-based counseling, highly effective school counselors and educational psychologists, preparing the next generation of k-12 school leadership and community college leadership, the study of autism spectrum disorders and the use of best practices with individuals and families, the preparation of early childhood educators and community leaders in early childhood mental health, bi-literacy and dual language teacher preparation, preparing math, science, and reading teachers, leadership development internationally in the Pacific Islands, addressing the “achievement gap” by studying schools that outperform expectations, and much more. These programs and initiatives directly impact thousands of people each year. In addition, the research done by our faculty and students is impressive in the number of publications in refereed publications as well as several national research awards for faculty members. Further, through the efforts of talented staff members, our capacity to collect, share, and use data for a variety of important functions increases our efficiency and effectiveness.
While the past several years have presented unprecedented fiscal challenges and changes in the demand for programs, the College has maintained a very high level of productivity and level of impact due to the diligence and commitment of faculty, staff, and students. For this, the College should be commended.
I appreciate the work we have done together to make a difference in our college, community, state, and beyond. The College will continue to prosper and increasingly extend the depth and span of its impact as economic conditions improve and new opportunities and new leadership emerge. I wish the College, and Dr. Joe Johnson, the new interim dean, the best in the coming year and beyond as the College of Education continues its mission “to make a difference in the lives of those it serves”.
Respectfully,
Ric Hovda
