Clemson College of Education names associate deans and a department chair

The Clemson University College of Education will close out the academic year with new leadership already in place for the 2019-2020 academic year. The college recently completed national searches for both of its associate deans and one department chair.

Dr. Michelle Cook has been selected as associate dean of undergraduate programs and faculty engagement, and Dr. Jeff Marshall has been selected as the associate dean of research and graduate programs. Dr. Cynthia Deaton has been selected as chair of the college’s teaching and learning department.

All three appointees are current Clemson faculty members who were serving as interim associate deans and chairs in their respective positions. According to George J. Petersen, founding dean of the College of Education, the experience and leadership abilities all three have brought and will continue to bring to their roles will allow the college to continue in a positive direction.

“Michelle, Jeff and Cynthia have worked closely with faculty and students in the areas of teaching, research and service, which has helped us align the work of our college with university’s larger strategic plan,” Petersen said. “I am confident they will serve us all well at Clemson as well as at the local and state level regarding important educational initiatives.”

Cook has previously served as associate professor and assistant professor in the College of Education and has been a faculty member at Clemson since 2006. Prior to these appointments, Cook served as a science teacher at Cardinal High School in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Cook earned her Ph.D. in science education from North Carolina State University. She earned her master’s degree in science education and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Marshall has previously served as chair of the college’s teaching and learning department. Prior to this appointment, Marshall served as associate professor and assistant professor at Clemson and has been a faculty member at Clemson since 2006. Prior to these appointments, Marshall served as faculty at Butler University and Indiana University.

Marshall earned his Ph.D. and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Indiana University. He earned a bachelor’s degree in science education from the University of Central Oklahoma.

Deaton has previously served as an associate professor and assistant professor of science education at Clemson. She has been a faculty member at Clemson since 2008. Before coming to Clemson, Deaton served as assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at the University of Mississippi.

Deaton earned a Ph.D. in science education from the University of Georgia. She earned a master’s degree in science education from Georgia Southern University and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Valdosta State University.

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