Marcelle Haddix chosen as next School of Education dean at UW-Madison

Marcelle Haddix has been chosen as the next dean of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s School of Education, replacing Diana Hess as the head of one of the nation’s top-ranked education schools. 

The dean serves as the School of Education’s chief academic and executive officer, with responsibilities ranging from staffing, budget and fundraising.

Haddix currently serves as the associate provost for strategic initiatives at Syracuse University, where she has held numerous leadership positions over the course of 16 years. She also served two terms as chair of the Reading and Language Arts department in the School of Education at Syracuse.

“I know well the tradition of excellence and innovation that consistently positions the School of Education as one of the highest ranked in the nation and am excited by the academic strategic priorities that will further advance and sustain its commitment toward leading with excellence,” Haddix said in a press release Thursday.

Haddix’s selection followed a leadership search sparked by the departure of Hess, who announced in October she would be leaving her leadership position and returning to a faculty role. The search, conducted by the UW-Madison Provost’s Office and Chicago-based executive search firm WittKieffer, solicited student feedback and held multiple listening sessions in the spring. 

She earned various degrees in education from Boston College, Cardinal Stritch University and Drake University and is a leading scholar in literacy and teacher education, with a particular focus on the experiences of students and teachers of color. 

Additionally, Haddix shared her ties to Madison, as she was born in the city, and her parents met as students at UW-Madison.

“I come from a family of Black woman educators who are beacons of fundamental change in their communities,” Haddix said. “While I appreciate the life and career I have built on the east coast, I look forward to this opportunity that connects me to the work being done in the place that I consider home.” 

Haddix takes over at a time of expanded opportunities for the School of Education. 

Since 2015, the School of Education has increased its undergraduate and graduate majors by approximately 25%, expanded its faculty fellowships and “dramatically” increased scholarship support for students, according to the university. 

Haddix will officially begin as dean on Aug. 11. Her faculty appointment will be in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. 

Hess will remain in charge of the Discussion Project, a professional development curriculum founded during her tenure that fosters professional development.

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