Wilson named dean of College of Education

Dr. Judi Wilson, a respected educator and administrator with nearly 30 years’ experience, has been named dean of the College of Education at Augusta University, effective July 15. Wilson has served as interim dean since June 2018.

As dean, Wilson will provide strategic vision and operational leadership for the college’s academic and professional development programs, while working with faculty to establish new programs in support of interdisciplinary research.

“Dr. Wilson has proven herself a capable leader with a wealth of academic expertise and institutional knowledge,” said Dr. Gretchen Caughman, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “She is familiar with the challenges and shifting needs of the educational system, and I look forward to working with her as she continues to build on the college’s strengths in teaching, research and community outreach.”

Wilson joined the faculty of Augusta State University 16 years ago and has held a series of leadership positions, from associate dean to chair of the Department of Teacher Education, now known as the Department of Teaching and Leading, and most recently, interim dean.

Under her leadership, the college has expanded its study abroad and online educational opportunities, and the university has received over $1 million in grants to fund educational activities related to science, mathematics, cybersecurity and cyberliteracy. Additionally, the college’s annual Impacting Student Learning Conference has grown from 250 to over 800 participants, making it one of the most sought-after regional conferences for educators.

As a career educator, Wilson has provided guidance on policies impacting educator preparation throughout the state and nation through her service on the Board of Examiners for the Council for the Accreditation for Educator Preparation and the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

As a result of her work in strengthening Georgia’s educational framework, Wilson has fostered lasting partnerships with local and statewide organizations including the CSRA Regional Educational Service Agency, the Georgia Department of Education, the Georgia Professional Standards Commission and the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.

“I am truly honored to serve as dean, and I am excited to continue working with my colleagues as we look to tackle the challenges facing the next generation of teachers, counselors, educational leaders and kinesiology experts,” Wilson said.

Wilson has presented her research at numerous international and national conferences and her work has been featured in several books and publications including the Journal of Inquiry and Action in Education and the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Wilson received her bachelor’s degree from Furman University, her master’s and specialist degrees from the University of Georgia and her doctoral degree from Georgia Southern University. She is also a nationally certified Teacher Performance Assessment Portfolio Scorer.