Maryann Santos, dean of the College of Education

To:       Executive Vice Presidents, Chancellors, Vice Presidents, Vice Chancellors, Vice Provosts, Deans, Directors and Heads of Schools, Divisions, Departments and Offices

From:   Jay Akridge, Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Diversity

Date:   September 26, 2017

 

I am writing to let you know that Maryann Santos, dean of the College of Education and professor of curriculum studies, will complete her term and step down from her deanship effective June 30, 2018.  She plans to return to a faculty position in the 2018-19 academic year.

Maryann has helped position Purdue’s College of Education as a national leader in K-12 STEM education and, as the first Latina dean of the college, is a champion for diversity and inclusion. With Maryann’s leadership and with the great work of the faculty and staff, much has been accomplished since she became dean in 2009.  Notable achievements include fostering the development of three online master’s degree programs, attaining a 91% growth in graduate enrollment, and facilitating exponential growth in external funding. 

Maryann believes in equality through education.  She has been an impassioned advocate for students and “making quality education available to all of the children of all of the people.”  A champion of public education in Indiana, she served as co-chair of the 2015 Blue Ribbon Commission on the Recruitment and Retention of Excellent Teachers with the then-superintendent of public instruction, Glenda Ritz.  Locally, Maryann was the 2016 community campaign chair for the United Way of Greater Lafayette and she serves on the board of the Community Foundation of Greater Lafayette.

I am pleased to report that Chris Ladisch, dean of the College of Health and Human Sciences, has agreed to serve as chair for the search committee to identify a new dean of the College of Education.

Purdue will remain ever grateful for the thoughtful leadership Maryann Santos displayed as dean.  We will look forward to celebrating her accomplishments and service later in our academic year.