News

Phyllis Edmundson, dean of the Graduate School of Education (GSE) for the past seven years, has announced her retirement, effective August 31, 2005. Carol L. Mack, currently the associate dean in the GSE, has been named as the interim dean until a search is completed.

Under Edmundson’s leadership, the Graduate School of Education has worked to create an “intentionally inclusive” community and has focused on preparing graduates to work in culturally diverse settings. This year the GSE's work was recognized by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education with its Best Practice in Support of Diversity Award. The GSE also plays an important role in providing licensed professionals in education shortage areas. For the third year in a row, the School has prepared the largest number of new math and science teachers in the state, in addition to the most bilingual teachers, special educators and school administrators. The GSE has increased external funding for research and development, attracting private investments in programs and scholarships.

Edmundson became dean in July 1998, following three years as dean and professor at Eastern Washington’s College of Education and Human Development in Cheney, Wash. From 1981 to 1995, she was professor of education in the Department of Foundations, Technology and Secondary Education at Boise State University. She was associate dean at Boise State’s College of Education from 1992 to 1994. Edmundson has a doctoral degree in curriculum and instruction, with a psychology emphasis, from the University of Northern Colorado. With John Goodlad and the National Network for Educational Renewal, Edmundson has worked for more than ten years to improve teacher education and public schools.

“Dean Edmundson has been a strong leader for the Graduate School of Education these past seven years. Under her direction the School has enriched its role as the largest provider of education professionals in Oregon. She will be missed,” said PSU President Daniel O. Bernstine. “I am pleased that Carol Mack will be stepping in as interim dean. She has been a great asset to the School and will be an exceptional leader in this time of transition.”

Carol Mack will assume the role of interim dean on September 1, 2005. Mack came to Portland State in 1986 as an assistant professor of Education. She became chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and associate professor in 1992. In 1999 she was appointed as the school’s associate dean responsible for licensure, accreditation and assessment; Graduate School of Education-wide leadership activities; representing the School in the dean’s absence; and participating in statewide activities related to teacher education.

Prior to coming to Portland State, Mack was a graduate research and teaching assistant at the University of Illinois and a public school elementary teacher. She has served as co-president of the Oregon Association for Colleges of Teacher and is currently a commissioner for the Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, the state licensure board.

Mack earned her Master of Education at Southwest Texas State University and completed her Ph.D. at the University of Illinois. Her areas of expertise and interest are literacy, particularly at the early stages, curriculum development, and professional development of teachers.

The Graduate School of Education (GSE) is Oregon’s largest and most comprehensive school of education with 980 students currently enrolled. More than half of the public school principals in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties have received licensure through PSU, and more than 200 graduates of the doctoral program in educational leadership hold positions of influence in educational settings throughout the region. The GSE prepares professionals to be leaders in a variety of settings: public schools, libraries, counseling clinics, social service agencies, institutions of higher education, and adult education programs. In 2006 the PSU will celebrate 50 years of preparing education professionals for the region.

For additional information, please contact Erin Malecha Arias, 503-725-8794.

Source: Donna Bergh (503-725-5256)
PSU Office of Academic Affairs

For Immediate Release (#05-098)