Nichols Named Dean of UMaine’s College of Education and Human Development

William Dee Nichols has been named Dean of the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Maine, effective July 1. Nichols, who is nationally recognized for his work in the field of literacy, will replace Anne Pooler, who is retiring after 36 years at UMaine. Nichols was recommended following a national search.

Nichols serves as professor and head of the School of Teaching and Learning at Western Carolina University. Prior to his current position, he served as professor and department head for elementary and middle grades education at Western Carolina University, associate professor in the Department of Reading and Elementary Education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and associate professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Virginia Tech University.

Nichols received a master’s degree in elementary education from Appalachian State University and a Ph.D. in educational curriculum and instruction from Texas A&M University.

UMaine’s College of Education and Human Development offers four-year programs in elementary and secondary education, child development and family relations, athletic training, and kinesiology and physical education to approximately 1,000 undergraduates annually. Approximately 1,055 graduate students annually are enrolled in the college’s many programs offered at the master’s, certificate in advanced study (CAS) and doctoral levels. The doctoral programs include educational leadership, higher education and literacy. Accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education since 1971, the College of Education and Human Development is the home of statewide, regional and national research and professional development programs. It leads the state in research that informs policy and practice for educators, child and family specialists, school counselors and educational leaders.

Contact: Margaret Nagle, (207) 581-3745