Former MSU dean to serve in interim exec post

A former dean will return to the top post of Missouri State University's College of Education on an interim basis.

David Hough, who served as dean of the college 2000-08 and currently is a professor of reading, foundations and technology, has been tabbed to serve as interim dean of the College of Education starting Aug. 1, according to a news release.

Hough succeeds Dennis Kear, who announced in the spring plans to return to the faculty. Kear has held the position since 2008.

As interim dean, Hough will be charged with leading the College of Education through its reaccreditation bid from the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.

“For the immediate future, it is our belief that experienced leadership is needed to guide the college and work with the Professional Education Unit for a successful National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education conclusion,” MSU Interim Provost Frank Einhellig said in the release. “In addition, we believe it is important for education faculty in all colleges across the university to work together in a collaborative and efficient manner."

Hough, who has been asked to serve in the interim for two years, will lead three academic departments, as well as the Professional Education Unit, the Institute for School Improvement, the College of Education's office of student services, the Child Development Center and Greenwood Laboratory School.

Prior to being named dean of the College of Education in 2000, Hough served on the MSU faculty 1983-1988 and 1991-2000.

“Returning to the College of Education dean’s position will be a ‘Back to the Future’-type of experience,” Hough said in the release. “A number of policies, processes and initiatives that were operational four years ago will be examined closely this fall, and I fully expect many will be re-energized during the next two years.

"Chief among these will once again be the support of faculty in the College of Education and across campus as we work together to achieve a successful review by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.”