Education dean search narrowed to three

The Search and Screen Committee for the Dean of the College of Education plans to choose a candidate for the position by the end of the week.

Mary Pinkerton, chair of the Search and Screen Committee, said the committee was pleased with the quality of the applicants and has narrowed the search to three finalists.

Katherina Heyning is one of the finalists for the position. Heyning is serving as associate dean of the College of Education at UW-Whitewater, a position she's had since 2005.

"I believe that the College of Education is at the brink of being the premier teacher education institute in Wisconsin," Heyning said. "I feel like my skills as associate dean have prepared me well to take over the leadership."

Michael Pardales also is a finalist for the position. Pardales serves as chairperman of the education department at the University of Michigan-Flint, a position he has held since 2006.

He said he thinks he can enhance it further with his experience in education.

"I have experience working in a university system similar to that of UW-Whitewater, and I have significant experience in education, and in running an education department," Pardales said. "I've worked extensively with the students and the community, making good things happen in diverse environments."

Pardales said he thinks the university is well run, with great student and faculty life.

Cheryl Hanley-Maxwell, a professor in the Department of Rehabilitation, Psychology and Special Education and the Special Education Area chairwoman at UW-Madison, is also a finalist for the position.

Hanley-Maxwell said she would like to contribute more to the development of teachers and other professionals, and becoming dean of the College of Education would allow her to do that.

Hanley-Maxwell said she's also been told she has strong leadership skills.

"I understand my role as a leader is being an advocate for those people who have hired me to be their leader," she said. "It is not my agenda; it is their agenda.

The search for the dean of education position began in February after the current dean, Jeffrey Barnett, decided to step down for personal reasons.