Dr. Jeanie A. Box, acting dean of the Orlean Bullard Beeson School of Education and Professional Studies at Samford University since the fall of 2004, has been named dean of the education school, effective Sept. 15.
A member of the Samford education faculty since 1989, Dr. Box also served as associate dean of curriculum and instruction and chair and professor in the award-winning teacher education department of the education school. Samford's teacher education department was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in 2000 as one of the top four teacher preparation programs in the nation.
"This appointment follows an enthusiastic recommendation from the search committee and strong endorsements by faculty members," said Samford Provost Brad Creed. "It has been my pleasure to work with Dr. Box this past year in her capacity as acting dean and I have observed first-hand her professionalism and her capabilities of providing leadership to the school."
Box is a member of the board of examiners for the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). She coordinated the past three accreditation reviews for the teacher education programs at Samford and participated as a team member on numerous NCATE reviews throughout the U.S.
She also serves on the executive council of the National Council for Continuous Improvement, which works to identify, promote, support and share effective organizational practices among the nation's universities.
She has presented programs at state and national conferences, addressing issues such as teacher education renewal, restructuring higher education, improving teachers, writing problem-based learning problems, literacy development in young children and other issues.
She received her B.S. degree from Auburn University, where she majored in early childhood education, and her M.S., Ed.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB).
Box received the George Macon Teaching Award at Samford in 1992 and the Outstanding Alumni Early Childhood Education Award from the UAB School of Education in 1997.
Before joining Samford, she taught in the Birmingham City School System from 1977 until 1987. She also taught in primary schools in England and France, where she conducted research in comparative education.