WILMINGTON — UNCW has appointed Tracy Linderholm as dean of the Watson College of Education after a months-long investigation.
Mr. Linderholm joins UNCW with 16 years of administrative experience, including most recently as associate dean of the College of Education at Georgia Southern University. She previously served as associate director of the Department of Human Development and Educational Organization Studies and her director of the doctoral program in educational psychology at the University of Florida.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Linderholm to the Watson College of Education,” said President James J. Winebrake. “I believe that Dr. Linderholm's educational leadership experience, demonstrated commitment to community engagement, and passion for supporting students, faculty, and staff will help the Watson community thrive in the years to come.”
As associate dean, Linderholm led many successful initiatives for Georgia Southern University's College of Education. These efforts have resulted in significant enrollment growth, increased external research funding, new scholarship opportunities for faculty, and additional support from donors to support student success.
“I am honored to be selected as the next dean of the Watson College of Education,” said Dr. Linderholm. “Watson College has a long tradition of providing high-quality, innovative programs that promote student success. We continue that tradition by forging new partnerships with school, community, and campus partners. I’m looking forward to doing it.”
The hire comes after Van Dempsey, Watson's former dean, was removed from his leadership position in June 2023.
University leadership removed Dempsey from his position as dean after he revealed to the press internal details about the 2023 Razor Walker Award nomination process. Sen. Michael Lee (R-New Hanover) received one of the four awards, ranking second from last among committee members.
Mr. Dempsey announced his resignation to his colleagues after UNC System Board of Governors Vice Chair Wendy Murphy pressured university leadership to discipline them following faculty protests over Mr. Lee's award. He defended the right to protest.
Dempsey also revealed that UNCW Chancellor Aswani Voleti had been pushing for a conservative to be chosen for the award. These details were published in The Assembly on June 8th. A few weeks later, the university announced that Dempsey was “resigning” his position. In reality, the dean had no choice.
Dempsey then hired the Rhine Law Firm, which issued a statement saying the “demotion” was in retaliation for comments he made to the press, despite Dempsey's First Amendment rights. Announced. Ultimately, the two sides reached an agreement, and Mr. Dempsey remained as a professor in the department.
As the new dean, Linderholm will provide leadership as the university's chief academic and administrative officer. This includes strategic planning, enrollment recruitment and retention, budget management, curriculum and program development, accreditation, external funding, community engagement, and more.
Mr. Linderholm will assume his new role on June 24, 2024.
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