CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — James D. Anderson will become the interim dean of the College of Education effective Aug. 16, pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.
Anderson has held key leadership roles during his tenure at Illinois. He is a member of the National Academy of Education; an Edward William and Jane Marr Gutgsell Professor of Education; a Center for Advanced Studies professor; the head of the department of education policy, organization and leadership; the executive associate dean for the College of Education; and has served this past year as the University of Illinois Presidential Fellow. In that role, Anderson has served as President Tim Killeen’s liaison to efforts on the three System universities’ campuses to address racial inequities and discrimination. He is an internationally recognized and groundbreaking scholar in the history of African-American education and school achievement in the U.S.
“I communicated with leadership and faculty within the college and throughout campus, and Professor Anderson was nominated and strongly endorsed repeatedly,” said Edward Feser, the interim vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost. “Given his vast experience in various leadership roles, including as acting dean several years ago, he is an outstanding choice to serve in this interim role.”
Feser expressed appreciation for Mary Kalantzis’ 10 years as Education dean. He announced in May that Kalantzis would return to a faculty position effective Aug. 15.
“The College of Education has benefitted from the contributions of Dean Kalantzis over the past decade, and she will continue to excel as a member of our faculty,” Feser said.
A search for a permanent dean will begin immediately. Wynne Korr, the dean of the School of Social Work, will serve as the search committee chair.
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