News

Randy Hitz, professor and dean of the College of Education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, has been named dean of Portland State University’s Graduate School of Education effective July 1, 2006.

Hitz replaces Phyllis Edmundson, who retired as dean in August 2005, and Carol Mack, who has served as interim dean during the search process. Hitz brings over 32 years experience in the field of education, with a primary focus on early childhood education and teacher education, including over a decade working directly with young children and their families. During his eight-year tenure in Hawaii, Hitz led the College of Education to national professional accreditation for the first time.

“We are very pleased that Randy Hitz has agreed to accept our offer to lead the Graduate School of Education. He brings a depth and breadth of experience and a vision for the future of the School that will serve both PSU and the broader community,” said Portland State University Provost Roy Koch. “I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to Carol Mack for her leadership over the past year. The experience and commitment that she brought to the role of interim dean have provided an important service to both the Graduate School of Education and the University.”

Prior to University of Hawaii at Manoa, Randy Hitz served as dean and professor at Montana State University–Bozeman’s College of Education, Health and Human Development from 1990–1998. From 1986–1990 he worked as an early childhood specialist at the Oregon Department of Education. From 1978–1986 Hitz worked at Southern Oregon University as a professor and then chair of the Education Department. Hitz holds a B.A. in Elementary Education, a M.S. in Early Childhood Education and a Ph.D. in Elementary Education from Indiana State University.

The Graduate School of Education 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 Portland State, with more than 200 graduates of the doctoral program in educational leadership holding positions of influence in educational settings throughout the region. The Graduate School of Education 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. This year the Graduate School of Education celebrates 50 years of preparing education professionals for the region.

For Immediate Release (#06-066)

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