TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. Joyce Alexander has been named the next dean of The University of Alabama College of Education and will begin her tenure Jan. 3, 2024.
Alexander comes to UA from the American Educational Research Association in Washington, D.C., where she served in a dean-in-residence education research policy fellowship. She previously served as dean of the Texas A&M University College of Education and Human Development.
“Dr. Alexander brings a wealth of knowledge in education leadership, policy and research to the Capstone,” said Dr. James Dalton, UA executive vice president and provost. “The future of the College of Education is bright with her leading as its new dean.”
Through the dean-in-residence education research policy fellowship, Alexander engaged in education research policy issues at the national level representing the American Educational Research Association, the largest worldwide education research organization. She also worked on issues related to congressional and executive branch activities and led and participated in programmatic initiatives. Alexander also coordinated a group of national deans of education in the Consortium of University and Research Institutions.
As dean of the Texas A&M University College of Education and Human Development, Alexander provided vision and leadership for the college’s more than 7,000 students and more than 450 employees. She strategically grew the college’s budget through program creation, distance education and reallocation of university central funds. Alexander also planned, funded and supported a new research support office in the college, resulting in external funding for new grants growing from $14 million annually to $40 million annually in three years, and annual research expenditures growing from $18 million to more than $26 million during that same time frame.
Alexander’s research interests include the development of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine, or STEMM, interests from preschool to college including family, school and community involvement in on-ramps, off-ramps and roadblocks to participation. Her recent passions have turned to examining the role of leadership support in enhancing K-12 schools overall as part of a $14 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
Alexander earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas Wesleyan University, and master’s degree in education and doctorate in educational psychology from the University of Georgia.
“I am excited and honored to be named the next dean of the College of Education at The University of Alabama,” said Alexander. “I look forward to working alongside the world-class faculty and staff to provide a transformative educational experience for our students, conduct research and outreach that enhances quality of life and connects to Alabama families and communities, and support our employees in a welcoming, diverse and growth-focused environment.
“Our faculty, staff and students transform lives every day. My goal as dean is to honor that work and share it broadly.”
The College of Education’s mission is to be a leader in Alabama and across the nation in teaching, scholarship, advocacy and service by developing professionals with pedagogic and disciplinary expertise who advance the intellectual and social conditions of all learners in a globalized society.
The University of Alabama, part of The University of Alabama System, is the state’s flagship university. UA shapes a better world through its teaching, research and service. With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers. As the state’s largest higher education institution, UA drives economic growth in Alabama and beyond.