Laila J. Richman has been named the inaugural dean of the College of Graduate Studies at Towson University in Maryland. A professor of special education, Dr. Richman currently serves as associate dean of Towson’s College of Education. In her scholarly work, she focuses on inclusive pedagogy, professional learning, assessment systems, and educational partnerships.
Dr. Richman holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in special education, and a Ph.D. in special education and instructional technology and research from the University of Kansas.
Tiece M. Ruffin has been appointed dean of the School of Education at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Dr. Ruffin comes to her new role from the University of North Carolina at Asheville, where she has taught for the past 16 years. She has been serving as a full professor and chair of the department of education. Her research focuses on learners with special needs, diverse learners, and pedagogical approaches for the diverse and inclusive classroom.
Dr. Ruffin earned her bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with a specialization in special education and a cognate in reading education from Ohio University.
Suzanne Reading has been selected to serve as interim dean of the College of Communications at Butler University in Indianapolis. A scholar of communication disorders and speech-language pathology, Dr. Reading currently serves as the college’s associate dean. Additionally, she is the founder and administrator of the Butler Early Language and Literacy preschool.
Dr. Reading is a graduate of Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. She holds a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from the University of Michigan and a Ph.D. in hearing and speech sciences from the University of Maryland.
Stephanie Reid-Arndt was named dean of the College of Health Sciences at the University of Missouri, where she currently serves as senior associate dean and professor. A clinical psychologist and rehabilitation neuropsychologist, Dr. Reid-Arndt is the founding program director of the university’s doctoral program in health and rehabilitation science. Her research centers on cognitive and executive functioning difficulties among cancer survivors and people with traumatic brain injury.
Dr. Reid-Arndt received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of California, San Diego. She holds a master’s degree and doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Arizona.
Amy Elliott has been promoted from interim dean to permanent dean of the McDonough Center for Leadership and Business at Marietta College in Ohio. Dr. Elliott first joined the college in 2016 to direct the Nonprofits LEAD Program. She was named director of the Office of Community Engagement in 2021 and moved into a faculty role in 2023. Dr. Elliott teaches courses in the foundations of leadership, organizational leadership, and nonprofit governance.
Dr. Elliott holds a master’s degree in communication from Ohio University and a Ph.D. in clinical hypnotherapy from American Pacific University.
Kristina Callis Duffin was appointed dean of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah and chief academic physician at University of Utah Health. She had been serving in the role on an interim basis. A faculty member for the past two decades, Dr. Callis Duffin is known for her expertise in psoriasis. Throughout her career, she has led more than 60 clinical trials.
Dr. Callis Duffin earned her medical degree from the University of Washington. She completed an internal medicine residency at Maine Medical Center and dermatology training at the University of Utah.