ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) The University of New Mexico plans to revamp its College of Education, and there will be somebody new at the helm as that takes place. Dean Richard Howell is stepping down as dean to take a sabbatical before he returns to the university in another capacity. Former Dean Viola Florez will be interim dean while a national search is conducted for a replacement.
According to the Albuquerque Journal, Provost Chaouki Abdallah says planned changes include expanding a student teaching program, increasing graduate level research and specializing in certain areas. Abdallah says the university wants to bring in fresh blood to lead the college as it launches a multiyear push to improve teacher education. He says the university is responding to a legislative report that called for improvements.
