UNC Names New Dean of School of Education

Fouad Abd-El-Khalick has been named the new dean of the UNC School of Education, the university announced Monday afternoon.

Abd-El-Khalick is coming to Carolina from his position as associate dean for research and research education in the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign.

UNC Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Jim Dean said in a release announcing the decision:

“We are pleased to welcome Fouad Abd-El-Khalick as the dean of the School of Education. He brings outstanding global experience as a science education scholar, award-winning teacher and leader of diversified partnerships tackling complex educational issues. We are certain his contributions at UNC-Chapel Hill will greatly enrich the lives of the students, faculty and staff in our School of Education and across campus.”

Abd-El-Khalick said his initial reaction to finding out the news was “incredible excitement.” He said that the need to “win back” students who are considering becoming K-12 educators will be one of the major challenges at UNC, as it is in many places across the state.

Abd-El-Khalick said that he is excited about the position UNC is in with “incredible opportunity” to reach out across the school, the UNC System and the Research Triangle to establish partnerships to further the mission of the School of Education and achieve “limitless” opportunities.

Abd-El-Khalick will succeed Bill McDiarmid, who served as dean from 2009 through 2015. Abd-El-Khalick’s appointment is effective July 1.