June 21 , 2005 CONTACT: Ron Podell 734.487.4400 Ron.Podell@emich.edu

Regents approve Polite as new dean of EMU College of Education

YPSILANTI - The Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents approved Vernon Polite as the new dean of the College of Education at its regular meeting June 21. Polite’s appointment is effective July 1, 2005.

Vernon Polite

I am honored by the opportunity to serve a College of Education that has a firm foundation and national recognition established under the leadership of Dr. Jerry Robbins,” said Polite, the founding dean of Bowie State University’s School of Education and a professor there. “As one of the largest producers of professional educators in the nation, EMU is in position to set new trends in a variety of educational venues.”

“He’s an excellent match for the College of Education at EMU,” said John Dugger, dean of the College of Technology and head of the COE dean search committee. “He is a change agent that has done some marvelous work in the positions where he has served prior to accepting a position here at EMU.”

Dugger cited Polite for his vast experience as a dean; his previous work in southeastern Michigan as an administrator in public schools; and his commitment to scholarship.

Since 2001, when Polite started at Bowie State University, he established the Dr. Roland B. Smith, Jr. Lecture series; wrote, designed and produced the Visiting Scholars Program for junior faculty; successfully coordinated the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accreditation process and established seven professional development schools with a memoranda of understanding between Bowie State University and the Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland.

Prior to his time at Bowie State, Polite was the Dr. Euphemia Lofton Haynes Professor of Education at The Catholic University of America from 1996-2001. In that position, he coordinated all graduate educational administration programs. He also was an assistant professor at The Catholic University of America from 1991-95 and an associate professor there from 1995-96.

During his career, he also has taught in Oak Park (Michigan) Public Schools, Boston Public Schools and worked in the U.S. Virgin Islands for the Department of Education.

Polite received his Ph.D. in educational leadership and sociology from Michigan State University; his master’s degree in secondary education/social studies from Boston State College; and his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Boston University.

Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions. EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences to succeed in their careers and lives, and to be better citizens.

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Eastern Michigan University is a public, comprehensive university that offers programs in the arts, sciences and professions. EMU prepares students with the intellectual skills and practical experiences to succeed in their career and lives, and to be better citizens.

Editor's Note: Looking for an expert source for a story? Check out EMU's Eastern Experts online at www.emich.edu/univcomm/easternexperts.

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