New School of Education and Human Services Announced

Carroll University has announced the launch of a new School of Education and Human Services. The news comes as the university prepares to unveil its newly renovated Education Hall, 316. N. Barstow St., which was damaged by straight-line winds in June 2019.

“We are so excited to move forward on both of these fronts as they help Carroll University meet its mission of providing a superior education rooted in its Presbyterian and liberal arts heritage,” said Carroll President Dr. Cindy Gnadinger. “Our School of Education and Human Services will be accompanied by new degree and credential programs which will be provided in a completely renovated and updated building. The renovation is incredible, as it creates a true 21^st century environment for learning. Space and light are maximized, technology is ever-present, and most importantly, the space is flexible and can be adapted to meet our student’s educational needs.” 

Part of Carroll’s strategic plan, the new school will allow for the addition of new programs, certificates and credentials that will help students ready themselves for careers that are in high demand.

“Every day we are continuing to expand our exceptional professional programs and create new areas of study that are relevant, responsive and required in today’s swiftly changing economy,” Gnadinger said. “A prime example has been our Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), an accelerated program that prepares individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree, regardless of discipline, to become a highly qualified teacher in just 17 months.”

The school and renovation are accompanied by new leadership. Dr. Kathy Kramer, who has three decades of teaching experience, was named interim dean. Kramer, who also serves as director of graduate education, has been an education faculty member at Carroll since 2000. In her new role, she will lead and direct the efforts of the school, including curriculum, programming and partnership development.
 
“It’s an honor to serve as the interim dean of the new School of Education and Human Services. I’m motivated by the momentum we’re already seeing for the school and Iook forward to representing the voices and perspectives of faculty and students through our strategic initiatives,” she said.
 
Kramer is a co-creator and developer of the Carroll University Inclusive Teacher Residency Program and was honored with the Norman and Louise Allhiser Award for Excellence in Teaching from Carroll in 2006. She has a B.S. in elementary education and an M.S. in special education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and holds an Ed.D. in leadership in curriculum and instruction from Aurora University in Aurora, Illinois.

“We are incredibly lucky to have such a tremendous leader like Dr. Kramer in our community. There was no need to look any further to fill the role as Dr. Kramer brings vision, experience and a focus on social justice to this role. She is a true asset to Carroll University and will guide our School of Education and Human Services to great heights, helping us to achieve our goals of the Carroll University strategic plan,” says Dr. Mark Blegen, provost and vice president of academic affairs at Carroll University.

Learn more about the School of Education and Human Services