The search for the new Dean of the College of Education and Human Development continues as the second of three candidates for the position, John Allegrante, arrived on campus Monday for a two-day visit.
Allegrante is a senior professor of health education and director of the International Institute at Teachers College at Columbia University.
Allegrante had a morning full of events that included a forum open to all students and faculty. Allegrante gave a speech at the event, followed by attendee questions and comments.
Jim Woosley, instructional professor of health and kinesiology, attended the open forum Monday alongside many other faculty members. Woosley said that it is important for staff, students and faculty to attend the open forums.
Woosley said it is important A&M is conducting such a thorough dean search in order to get the right fit, because without a good fit, “the wheels don’t roll.”
“So it’s important to take our time to get the right person and to look through the people to make sure that it fits with our college, our philosophy and our forward movement,” Woosley said.
Allegrante earned his bachelor’s degree with honors from the State University of New York and a master’s and doctorate degree from the University of Illinois.
“I agreed to be a candidate for the position because, being a product of public education, from elementary school to graduate school, I am intrigued by the possibilities of the challenge of a leadership role at a land-grant public university with a tradition of innovation and intellectual excellence in the service of the common good,” Allegrante said.
Allegrante said he is attracted to the College of Education and Human Development because he sees public education as the heart of democracy, civil society and the American experience.
Allegrante said he is impressed by Texas A&M faculty and staff whom he has met over the years, and said they are among the most capable, diverse and enthusiastic he has ever encountered.
Julia Kronenberger, English senior, is a prospective graduate student in the College of Education and Human Development. Kronenberger said she appreciates the way Texas A&M views the hiring of the new dean.
“I am excited for the possibilities this brings as I apply to enter the college, because I will be confident that our new dean is well qualified and will continue to lead the college in success,” Kronenberger said.
Allegrante said, if chosen as dean, he would focus on three priorities — strengthening university-community partnerships to improve local and regional schools, expand the college’s global agenda and implement a common core intellectual experience. He said he hopes to make a student’s experience one that unites students across academic classes.
“I would like to see such an experience serve to connect students across programs and across generations of graduates and constitute a signature of having earned a degree from the college,” Allegrante said.
The final dean candidate, Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko, will present his public presentation Wednesday from 3-4 p.m. in Koldus 111.