Debbie Dailey has been appointed by UCA as interim dean of the College of Education, which went into effect March 1.
Dailey has been at UCA for 12 years, has served as the chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning for the past five years, and has spent many years working her way up to the appointment of interim dean.
“I taught high school science for 14 years and served as an elementary and middle school gifted and talented teacher for six years,” Dailey said. “I then worked as a curriculum coordinator for a grant project at UALR for four years while completing my doctorate.”
Dailey also earned a bachelor of science in education and a master of science in education from Arkansas State University and a graduate certificate in gifted and talented education from Harding University, as well as a doctor of education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
Executive Vice President and Provost Michael Hargis said in an announcement on Feb. 13 that Dailey will bring “a unique perspective to the evolving education landscape through her background as both a K-12 educator and a faculty member.”
Dailey said, “With 20 years of experience in K-12 schools, I have a deep understanding of the challenges educators face and an immense appreciation for their work. At the core of my perspective on the evolving education landscape is a student-first mentality.”
“In overseeing our programs, I prioritize ensuring that our students are prepared to make a meaningful impact in their chosen careers,” she said.
Hargis also commented on Dailey’s leadership in teacher preparation and STEM education, saying that it “has positioned her to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, particularly in response to the complex changes impacting teacher preparation programs.”
Dailey said, “New state-level requirements for Educator Preparation Programs are reshaping teacher preparation. For the past two years, I have been deeply engaged in this work, including reviewing other university programs and preparing for our own institutional review.”
“My experience allows me to navigate these changes with a focus on both the needs of educators and the ultimate goal of student success,” she said.
Dailey’s research interests are focused around STEM education and the education of gifted and talented students and teacher preparation. Her research includes an emphasis on how engineering design can be used to create an interconnected and meaningful curriculum across all subjects.
“As interim dean, I aim to build upon the strong foundation established by Dr. Victoria Groves-Scott, whose compassionate and passionate leadership has left a lasting impact. I am committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture within the College of Education, strengthening connections across departments, and supporting faculty in their professional growth,” Dailey said. “My focus will be on empowering our immensely talented faculty by providing opportunities for leadership development within their departments, the college, the university, and the broader community. Additionally, I aim to help maintain our recognition as the top teacher preparation program in the state by producing exceptional educators who are well-equipped to make a meaningful impact in the classroom.”
Dailey said she is “excited and honored” to begin her appointment and to be able to support the faculty, staff, and students of the College of Education.
“We have a strong foundation, and I look forward to building on what we have, fostering collaboration, and continuing to strengthen our programs and community,” Dailey said.