Boyd, Morel named interim deans
Kim Chaudoin | 615.966.6494 |
Lipscomb University Provost W. Craig Bledsoe announced today the appointment of two interim deans to fill recent vacancies at the helm of two of its colleges.
Deborah Boyd, associate dean and director of graduate studies for Lipscomb University’s College of Education since 2008, has been appointed interim dean of the college filling the vacancy left by Candice McQueen, senior vice president and dean of the college who was appointed Tennessee’s new commissioner of education yesterday. Nina Morel has been appointed interim dean of the College of Professional Studies following the departure of Dean Charla Long, who will serve as a consultant to Public Agenda, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that helps diverse leaders and citizens navigate divisive, complex issues and work together to find solutions in education.
Boyd will lead the programs and initiatives for the college as well as Lipscomb’s Ayers Institute for Teacher Learning and Innovation while a national search is underway for McQueen’s successor.
“Deborah Boyd has deep roots in education and has played a key role in the growth and success of Lipscomb’s College of Education,” said Bledsoe. “Dr. Boyd has put feet to the vision and innovation of the college and will continue to build on this strong foundation. She has been instrumental in hiring many of the strong administrators and faculty in the college as well as implementing many of its programs. We are pleased that she will be leading this college through this time of transition.”
Boyd has more than 35 years’ experience in education including teaching at the K-12 and college levels and serving as a school principal. She served as associate executive director for P-16 initiatives (GEAR UP TN) for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission from 2006-2008 and as executive director of curriculum and instruction for the Tennessee Department of Education from 2004-2006. Her areas of interest include international education, curriculum and assessment, leadership, and effective instruction for both adults and K-12 students. Her research interests include teachers of ELL students and teacher effectiveness.
She is on the board of directors for Tennessee Learning Forward, is chair of the Tennessee ACT State Council and is past president of the Tennessee Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Boyd holds Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and an Educational Specialist degree from Middle Tennessee State University and a Doctor of Education from Tennessee State University.
“Dr. Morel is a leading educator and expert in instructional coaching and has helped guide the College of Professional Studies as it has grown in recent months,” said Bledsoe. “She has a proven track record of success and will continue to build on the very strong foundation that Dr. Long has built for this innovative college.”
Morel, currently associate dean of that college, is a nationally recognized educator and instructional coach who directs the university’s nationally recognized competency-based education program as well as designs and implements the instructional coaching model that is a key component of that program. She also leads the College of Professional Studies’ integrated studies and adult degree programs, coordinates accreditation processes and serves as a liaison with national education associations.
Prior to her appointment in the College of Professional Studies, Dr. Morel was associate professor of education and director of the Master of Education program in the College of Education. She has been on faculty at Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University and Lipscomb University among others. She has also served as the English Language Learner and Title 3 director, instructional coaching facilitator and pre-K coordinator among other roles for the Sumner County (Tenn.) School System. Dr. Morel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lipscomb University as well as a Master of Education degree and Doctor of Education from Tennessee State University.