College of Education

Message from the Interim Dean

The College of Education at Slippery Rock University has a long history of preparing professionals who make a difference in schools, organizations, and communities. I am proud of that history, but I am also enthusiastic about what comes next.

The needs of our students, our schools, and the broader workforce are changing. That means our responsibility is not simply to preserve what has served us well, but to continue improving how we prepare, support, and develop the professionals who will serve Pennsylvania in the years ahead.

I have tremendous respect for the faculty and staff in our College. Their expertise, commitment to students, willingness to innovate, and dedication to their professions are among our greatest strengths. They know their discipline, they know our students, and they understand the responsibility that comes with preparing people for careers that have such a direct impact on others.

I am equally grateful for our PK–12 partners. Our relationships with schools, districts, intermediate units, cooperating teachers, administrators, counselors, and other professionals are essential to the preparation of our students. These partners provide authentic experiences, help us understand changing needs in the field, and challenge us to keep our programs relevant and responsive. We do not prepare professionals for schools and communities in isolation. We do it in partnership with them.

Our students are already making a difference. Many of our graduate students are practicing educators and professionals who bring their experiences into their studies and apply new knowledge and ideas in their schools and organizations. Our undergraduate students are also having an impact well before graduation through field experiences, substitute teaching, volunteer service, internships, and other roles in schools and communities. Their contributions are an important reminder that the influence of the College of Education begins long before a diploma is awarded.

That impact continues through our graduates. Across the Commonwealth, SRU’s award-winning alumni are teaching, counseling, leading, supporting students and families, strengthening organizations, and contributing to their communities in countless ways. We should celebrate that impact while also recognizing our responsibility to prepare each new generation for the opportunities and challenges still ahead.

I am excited about where the College of Education is headed. We have strong people, strong programs, strong partnerships, and students and graduates who are already making a difference. Our responsibility is to build on those strengths thoughtfully and intentionally so that the College continues to serve our students, our partners, and the Commonwealth well into the future.

Preston Headshot

Jim
Interim Dean, College of Education
Slippery Rock University

Mission Statement

The Slippery Rock University College of Education advances human development by preparing exceptional educators, counselors, wellness professionals, leaders, and scholars through rigorous academic programs, experiential learning, research, and meaningful partnerships with schools, higher education institutions, and communities. We meet learners of all backgrounds where they are by providing accessible pathways, personalized support, and opportunities for growth across undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional learning programs. Guided by a commitment to belonging, innovation, evidence-based practice, and service, we empower professionals to strengthen organizations, enrich communities, and improve lives.

Vision for the College of Education

The Slippery Rock University College of Education will be Pennsylvania’s leading partner in growing the educator and human services workforce by preparing knowledgeable, compassionate, and innovative professionals who strengthen schools, organizations, and communities.