The dean of the College of Education, Kathryn Moore, will step down from her position, effective May 15.
Moore, who has served as dean of the college for nine years, will return to teaching and research in the department of adult and higher education in August.
Moore was unavailable for comment.
Jose Picart, vice provost for diversity and inclusion, will serve as interim dean until the position is filled. Picart has been a part of the college as a professor for five years.
“I’m really excited and I’m a little nervous,” he said. “As you might imagine, just stepping into a new role always presents a bit of trepidation.”
Picart said the decision came as a surprise, but also said he is privileged to serve as interim dean.
“It’s a great college and they are doing some great things,” he said. “I look forward to the opportunity of working with faculty, students and staff to continue to move them forward while they look for a new dean.”
Picart said the college has a wonderful vision for its future and he plans to pick up where Moore left off.
“We want to keep strengthening programs, conduct great research, teach students well and send out some great teachers that will go and serve the state,” he said. “I am so proud of what teachers do and what they are about.”
Tracy Cottrell, a sophomore in math education, said because of the contributions Moore made to the college, it may be hard for Picart to fill her shoes.
“Everyone may doubt if he can measure up to her so he will have to prove us wrong,” Cottrell said. “She was a really great person for what she did. She will be missed.”
During her tenure, the University created the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation on Centennial Campus, which is a center advocating to improve teaching and learning, and began a new undergraduate degree in elementary education.
Kathryn Doyle, a senior in elementary education, said her major is a great program.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it and learned a lot from it,” she said. “With Moore being the one that created it, it’s definitely sad to see her go.”
Picart said Moore will help him transition into the position and devise long and short-term goals.
“I’m looking forward to working with her and for her to advise and guide me,” he said. “I’m going to take time to talk to all of leadership so I can think about those long and short term goals.”
Most importantly, Picart said he is honored the University has confidence in him.
“To think I have an opportunity to produce teachers and leaders for our school, that’s humbling,” he said. “Teachers are heroes.”