Articles

First Black leadership team guides Dukes

Category: Lifestyle Published on Wednesday, 03 October 2012 09:31 Written by Courier Newsroom

The naming of scholar and social justice advocate Gretchen Givens Generett, PhD, as associate dean for graduate studies and research in Duquesne University’s School of Education forms what the University believes is its first African-American dean and associate dean team.

GRETCHEN GENERETT

Generett, who has spent the last decade researching and teaching on issues of professional development for teachers, educational leadership and identity, joins Dean Olga Welch, Susan Munson, PhD, associate dean for teacher education, and the department chairs in forming the School of Education’s Executive Committee.

“Because of the different talents and backgrounds brought to the table, diversity enriches and strengthens any community, and is especially critical in learning communities,” Welch said. “I’m particularly proud to have an outstanding practitioner, scholar and advocate like Generett working with our school as a leader. Perspectives like hers are growing all the more important in today’s schools, as more diversity among students is coupled with a push for academic excellence. Her experiences will help the next educational leaders to better address these issues.”

Generett, who has taught at Duquesne since 2008, is co-director of the University Council for Educational Administration Center for Educational Leadership and Social Justice at Duquesne, one of only eight centers across the country, among many other accomplishments.