The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE

Media Contact: Steve Carr, (505) 277-1821
e-mail: scarr@unm.edu

April 7, 2009

Howell Named Dean at UNM College of Education

The University of New Mexico Provost Suzanne Ortega announced today that Richard Howell has been selected to lead the College of Education as its newest dean. Howell, who is also a faculty member in the Department of Educational Leadership and Organizational Leadership, has served as interim dean of the CoE since December 2007. Howell’s tenure as dean will begin on April 15, 2009.

"Dr. Howell has a deep commitment to education in the state of New Mexico,” said Ortega. “I am confident that his leadership and organizational skills make him a great choice to lead the College of Education into national prominence."

Howell has a long history at UNM having earned three degrees including a BS in Psychology (’72), an MA in Special Education (’73) and his Ph.D. also in Special Education (’83).

After completing his Master’s, Howell began his academic career in earnest at UNM in 1982 as an instructor in Educational Technology at the College of Education. A position he held for two years.

Howell then moved onto The Ohio State University as an assistant professor in 1984 and held several positions throughout the years at the institution including assistant professor in the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership (1984-91), associate professor in the Department of Physical Activities and Educational Services (1991-00) chair of the Special Education program (1998-99) and finally assistant dean for Technology (1999-2000).

Howell returned to UNM in 2000 and served as Special Assistant to the Vice Provost, The Extended University (2000-04), interim Assistant Vice President, Office of Academic Affairs (2004-05), and associate dean of Research in the College of Education (2005-08).

Additionally, Howell has managed more than $10 million in federally funded research and development projects throughout his career.

"I am both grateful and excited to have been selected as Dean of the preeminent College of Education in New Mexico. I am looking forward to working with the President, Provost, and especially the faculty, staff and students of the College to meet the pressing educational needs of teachers and students in the state of New Mexico.“

Martha Bedard, dean of the University Libraries, chaired the College of Education dean search committee, which selected Howell as one of three finalists following a national search.

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The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.

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