Message from the Dean
Greetings from Thousand Oaks, CA!
As the summer moves towards its inexorable end, the campus at Cal Lutheran is beginning
to come back to life. Although there has been plenty of activity this summer (grant
work, various programs starting, and multiple camps in residence), I know once August
turns on my calendar that it’s time to look towards the fall and welcome back the
many students and faculty who have been away for the past few months.
The fall will bring with it many exciting activities in the Graduate School of Education
(GSOE), including the next Spectrum of Opportunity Celebration by the Austim and Communication
Center (October 5th), workshops by HSI scholar Dr. Gina Garcia (September 26th), and the Susan Greiser Price Arts Integration and Learning Symposium (November 2nd). We also know that this is only a partial list of school offerings this fall.
As you will also see in this newsletter, I am pleased to announce a new leadership
team who have started their work this summer. This includes a redefinition of the
associate dean role to incorporate our equity and outreach work. Dr. Trudy Arriaga,
the renowned former Superintendent of Ventura Unified School District, will occupy
this position to capitalize on her work within cultural proficiency and her broad
contacts throughout the community, state, and nation. Additionally, Dr. Tymika Wesley
will assume the chair position of the Department of Learning & Teaching and Dr. Edlyn
Pena will move into the chair’s role for the Department of Educational Leadership.
Together with Dr. Dan Tillapaugh, Chair of Counselor Education, these four individuals
create a powerful team for moving the school forward in our vision and mission within
the field of education.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact us within the GSOE and let us know if
there is any way that we can be of service to you.
Wishing you all the best,
Mike Hillis
Dean & Professor