Rodney Hopson will serve as interim dean of American University’s School of Education while a school task force works to “shape the future of the school,” Acting Provost and Chief Academic Officer Vicky Wilkins announced in an email to the University community Dec. 12.
Hopson is currently senior associate dean and a professor within SOE. After Dean Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy steps down from the post in January, she will lead the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Hopson will fill the role through the 2025-26 academic year while the University searches for a new dean.
Additionally, the University has created a task force to shape the school’s future. Wilkins said the task force is “co-chaired by faculty, staff, and student leaders” and the group has already had two meetings.
“Our focus has always been on ensuring SOE provides the highest-quality education for students, robust support for faculty research and teaching, and a strong, vibrant community,” Wilkins said in the email.
The restructuring of the school and Holcomb-McCoy’s departure come amid the University’s budget shortfall and leave students concerned about the school’s fate.
“At the same time, as budget conversations are taking place in all schools, we must address our financial realities and develop administrative structures that position SOE for long-term success while preserving its mission,” Wilkins said in the email. “Looking at creative solutions for the future across the university is critical for all of us.”
On Nov. 12, outgoing Dean Holcomb-McCoy warned the SOE community that the school would undergo a “massive restructuring.” The reports prompted organizing by the SOE Undergraduate Council and a petition to keep the school independent which had 852 signatures at the time of publication. The issue has garnered attention from The Washington Post, NBC4 Washington and Diverse Education.
Wilkins said in the email that University leadership is “fully committed to the School of Education.”
This article was edited by Tyler Davis and Abigail Turner. Copy editing done by Luna Jinks.
