Betty Merchant to step down after more than a decade as dean of the College of Education and Human Development
Share this Story(Oct. 16, 2015) — Betty Merchant announced recently she is stepping down as dean of the UTSA College of Education and Human Development, effective August 31, 2016. Merchant has served as dean of the college since 2005.
“Dean Merchant’s work on behalf of the college has helped raise the stature of UTSA as the top provider of teachers in our community and as an institution of innovative research,” said President Ricardo Romo. “I greatly appreciate her leadership and service to the college and its students, and look forward to her continuing contributions as a member of the UTSA faculty.”
Merchant came to UTSA in 2000 from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She was appointed as an associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and served as chair of the department from 2001 to 2004. In August 2004, she was appointed interim dean of the college, and was subsequently named dean. In 2012, she became the first recipient of the Henrietta Frances Zezula Lowak Endowed Distinguished Professorship in COEHD.
“Dr. Merchant devotion to the college’s students, faculty and staff has been evident throughout her UTSA career,” said John Frederick, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “As we begin a search for her replacement later this year, we will seek a candidate who embodies that same determined spirit with which she has led the college.”
In resigning from her post as dean, Merchant will remain at UTSA and plans to return to teaching and research. Her research has focused on educational policy, equity, student diversity, social justice and school leadership, with particular interest in diversity in education and multicultural, cross-national settings.
“The College of Education and Human Development has evolved substantially in the past 12 years, achieving national and international recognition for the scholarly achievements of its faculty and students and the quality and innovation that distinguish its academic programs,” said Merchant. “As dean, I have been committed to creating a model of a top-tier college that is characterized by a cooperative and supportive environment within which faculty, staff and students work together to achieve the highest levels of research, teaching and service. I believe that such an environment also includes genuine appreciation for the many contributions of those who have come before us, respect for one another, and a commitment to collaborative approaches to serving the communities with which we work.
“It has been my privilege to work with an outstanding team of faculty, students and staff, all of whom continue to play a vital role in shaping the vision and advancing the national reputation of the college.”
COEHD enrolls more than 4,500 students in 11 undergraduate and 17 graduate degree programs at both the Main Campus and Downtown Campus. The college has the largest graduate enrollment at UTSA, with more than 1,100 master’s and 200 doctoral students.
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