Dean of the College of Education, Professor
Dean's Office
310 John W. Porter Building
Micheal Sayler, Ph.D., became the dean of the College of Education at Eastern Michigan University on June 1, 2015, joining a distinguished list of College leaders who have overseen one of the most highly-regarded teacher preparation institutions in the nation. Dr. Sayler has a strong history of educational leadership, having previously held the position of senior associate dean at University of North Texas (2011-15). Before becoming an associate dean in 2002, he also served as associate and assistant professor for 12 years. In 2013, Dr. Sayler was presented with the Outstanding Service Award for his mentorship and contributions to the McNair Scholars Program. With expertise in gifted education, Dr. Sayler also chaired the placement committee for the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science for many years, and served in leadership positions for several national and international gifted education organizations.
Dr. Sayler’s current community engagement efforts include the launch of the Pathways for Future Educators Program in 2016. The program establishes partnerships between the COE and urban and rural districts across Michigan and identifies students who aspire to return to their communities as teachers. In 2017, the State of Michigan recognized the recruitment initiative and awarded the COE with a Morris Hood Jr. Educator Development grant.
Trained in educational psychology, Dr. Sayler’s research interests have focused on gifted students and their emotional needs and well-being. More recently, he has conducted a large national study of associate deans. He has traveled to Australia many times to teach graduate courses in gifted education in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.
Dr. Sayler, a native of South Dakota, earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN.
* Graduate students co-authors