LAS VEGAS - April 16, 2013 - UNLV President Neal Smatresk announced today that Kim K. Metcalf has accepted UNLV's offer to become the Dean of the College of Education, effective July 1, 2013. Metcalf is currently the director of institutional research and planning at the University of West Georgia and served as dean of its College of Education from 2008 to 2012.
"We are tremendously excited about what Kim can do for our College of Education," said John Valery White, UNLV executive vice president and provost. "Given the importance of secondary education to the future of Nevada, and the thirst for creativity in addressing the school system's challenges, Metcalf's leadership will be crucial to ensuring that UNLV is an effective partner for improving education in Nevada."
Metcalf's writing and research focus on school voucher programs and their success or failure, educational decisions of families in public, private and charter schools, and teacher development. He is sought after as a speaker in national and international forums and has been involved in research, publication, and service activities in the local communities where he has lived and taught.
"The College of Education at UNLV has a wonderful history and a distinguished reputation," said Metcalf. "The College of Education will continue to fill the strong and influential role that is expected of a premier institution, particularly in a period of great uncertainty for higher education and for the disciplines we serve."
Metcalf earned his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Ohio State University in Teacher Education and Educational Research and Evaluation, and received his bachelor's degree in Music Education from Ball State University.
Previous leadership positions include service as director of the Indiana Center for Evaluation (Indiana University, 1997-2003) and as an associate superintendent for research and assessment (Monroe County Community Schools, Bloomington, Indiana, 2004-2006). His extensive list of publications includes a co-authored book, "The Act of Teaching," now in its sixth edition.
Metcalf succeeds William Speer, who has served as interim dean of the College of Education since July 2009.
Recently restructured, the College of Education offers 25 degrees across three departments - Education and Clinical Studies, Education Psychology and Higher Education, and Teaching and Learning. Home to over 2,000 students, nearly half enrolled in graduate programs, the college focuses on preparing professionals for diverse educational settings and on contributing to educational and pedagogical knowledge through scholarship.
