I am pleased to announce the selection of Tim Jacobbe as the next dean of the College of Education following a rigorous and competitive national search process.
Dr. Jacobbe will begin at UTA on Jan. 17 after he completes his duties as associate dean for academic affairs in the Simmons School of Education and Human Development at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas. Since arriving at SMU in 2019, he has successfully implemented a mentoring process for faculty, updated and developed new processes for staff and faculty promotions and evaluations, and overseen educator preparation and certification.
A fellow of the American Statistical Association, Dr. Jacobbe initially served as chair and professor of mathematics and statistics education at SMU while holding an additional appointment in the Department of Statistical Science. As department chair, he oversaw 26 faculty members while expanding ties and strengthening relationships with the Dallas Independent School District.
He previously served as an associate professor of mathematics and statistics education at the University of Florida, where he worked from 2008-19; as an assistant professor of mathematics education at the University of Kentucky; and as an assessment specialist at Educational Testing Service, where he helped develop content for AP statistics and calculus, SATs, GREs and other assessments. Dr. Jacobbe also is a U.S. Navy veteran, serving from 1997-2001 as a sonar technician.
His funded research focuses on mathematics education, with an emphasis on improving the teaching and learning of statistics. Dr. Jacobbe earned his doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Clemson University, as well as a master’s in mathematics and a bachelor’s in education from Bowling Green State University. He earned an associate’s degree from Chaminade University in Hawaii while still in the Navy.
A sincere thank you to the search committee led by Morteza Khaledi. This group’s careful consideration of the candidates and their concern for the College of Education were evident throughout the search process. I also am grateful to Casey Graham Brown for her steadfast leadership as interim dean of the College of Education. She has provided valuable guidance throughout her tenure at the University and no more so than in recent months in her interim role.
I am confident Dr. Jacobbe will lead the College of Education to continued success as a leading institution for preparing the next generation of teachers and educational leaders.
