Syracuse University’s vision to become the leading student oriented research center in the nation corresponds perfectly with the goals of Louise Wilkinson.

The recently selected dean of the School of Education relishes the challenge her new position will provide her.

“I’m looking forward to working closely with the faculty, students and members of the community,” Wilkinson said. “I’d like to continue doing some more research, and I’d like to further prepare students for the various aspects of the field.”

Wilkinson will replace Emily Robertson, who has served as interim dean for the past year, said James Bellini, an associate professor in the school. Wilkinson will officially take over as dean in the late summer or early fall. Until then, she will continue to serve as the dean of graduate school of education at Rutgers University, where she has been for the past 16 years.

“As a faculty member, I’ve seen deans come and deans go,” Bellini said. “But the dean is very important. He or she really sets an atmosphere and creates a culture of the school.”

Wilkinson graduated from Oberlin University and completed her doctoral degree at Harvard University.

While at Rutgers, Wilkinson pioneered several influential programs and became nationally renowned for her work in the field of education, said Vice Chancellor Deborah Freund.

‘I anticipate that Wilkinson will be a fabulous and approachable dean for students, faculty and staff,” Freund said. “It was a coup for us to get her. I really am delighted.’

Bellini considers Wilkinson’s active role inside and outside the classroom a positive glimpse of what she could bring to SU.

“I’m hopeful that she’ll lead us in a positive direction and be a strong advocate for our school,” Bellini said. “It impresses me that she continues to act as a scholar and in research.”

With only a few months separating Wilkinson and her post, the new dean is nothing less than primed about starting.

“I’m very excited about joining such a strong faculty located at such an outstanding university,” Wilkinson said.

Published on March 25, 2003 at 12:00 pm