Perry L. Schoon, senior associate dean of the College of Education at the University of Texas at Arlington, is the next dean of the College of Education and Allied Professions at Western Carolina University. Schoon’s appointment, effective June 1, 2009, comes after a nearly yearlong nationwide search. Schoon, who also has served as associate dean for assessment and technology at UT Arlington, will be taking over the reins from Michael Dougherty, dean of the College of Education and Allied Professions since July 1998 and a faculty member at WCU since 1976. “Western Carolina was founded as a teacher’s college, and Perry Schoon will be leading the College of Education and Allied Professions at one of the most exciting times in its history,” WCU Provost Kyle Carter said Monday (Dec. 8) in announcing the appointment. “He is joining us as we ratchet up our efforts to prepare a larger number of graduates for careers in education to help solve a statewide shortage of classroom teachers, which is one of the top priorities of University of North Carolina Tomorrow.” UNC Tomorrow is a study by the state university system to identify the most pressing needs facing North Carolinians and to develop plans for UNC institutions to meet those needs. “Dr. Schoon will fit right in with the current cadre of deans,” Carter said. “He is very smart, collegial, ambitious and entrepreneurial.” Schoon also will play a key leadership role in helping plan a new building for the College of Education and Allied Professions. “Because of Dr. Schoon’s extensive background in technology, he will be a great asset to the faculty as it programs a building to create an enriched learning environment supported by technology,” Carter said. The university’s master plan calls for a 163,000-square-foot School of Education building to be developed as part of a neighborhood focusing on learning and education. It would be located on Millennial Initiative property on the opposite side of N.C. Highway 107 from the main campus. “The college is highly regarded for its preparation of professional educators. The faculty, staff and students are impressive and engaged in many new and exciting initiatives,” Schoon said. “I look forward to building on the great legacy Dr. Dougherty has established and collaborating with the faculty to ensure that the college continues to provide students with learning experiences of the highest quality.” Schoon will lead a college that is growing its student enrollment and earning national recognition, including the 2007 Christa McAuliffe Excellence in Teacher Education Award presented by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, and the 2006 Distinguished Program in Teacher Education Award presented by the Association of Teacher Educators. Prior to joining the dean’s office at UT Arlington in 2006, Schoon served as interim associate dean of northern campuses for the College of Education at Florida Atlantic University, where he also was chair of the department of instructional technology and research, and vice president of the faculty assembly. He taught previously at Illinois State University and in junior and senior high schools in Tampa, Fla. He earned his bachelor’s degree in technology education from Illinois State in 1989, master’s degree in technology education from Ball State University in 1990, and doctorate in educational administration from Illinois State in 1997. He and his wife, Kelly, have been married for 12 years and have two children. In other leadership changes in the college, Dan Grube, associate professor of health, physical education and recreation, will become interim associate dean, effective Jan. 1. Grube will succeed Dale Carpenter, who is stepping down from the administrative position to return to the faculty. WCU’s College of Education and Allied Professions contains the academic departments of human services; elementary and middle grades education; psychology; health, physical education and recreation; and educational leadership and foundations. The college also is home to the Center for Math and Science Education, the Center for the Support of Beginning Teachers, the Reading Center, the Center for Rural Education, and the School and University Teacher Education Partnership.
