The University of Akron Welcomes New dean for the College of Education

Dr. Mark D. Shermis of Gainesville, Fla., has been named dean of The University of Akron College of Education. Shermis comes to UA after serving as chair of the Department of Educational Psychology in the University of Florida’s College of Education. Shermis plans to begin his new duties in late spring/early summer 2009.

A recognized expert in the field of assessment, Shermis has played a leading role in bringing computerized adaptive testing to the Internet, and for the past 10 years has been involved in research on automated essay scoring. His most recent work has resulted in the seminal book on the topic, Automated Essay Scoring: A Cross-Disciplinary Approach.

“Our College of Education prepares educators as vital decision-makers through standard-setting programs that enhance our community through teaching, learning and human development; research and inquiry; and outreach,” says Dr. Elizabeth J. Stroble, UA’s senior vice president, provost and chief operating officer. “Mark clearly stood out as a visionary scholar, educator and leader who will bring great benefits to the College of Education, our students and the broader community.”
Prior to his position at the University of Florida, Shermis was associate dean for research and grants, and professor of educational and psychological studies in Florida International University’s College of Education; associate professor of psychology and Testing Center director at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; and assistant professor of education at the University of Texas.

Professional affiliations

A licensed psychologist in California, Florida and Indiana, Shermis is a fellow of the American Psychological Association, and a member of the American Educational Research Association, National Council of Measurement in Education, American Evaluation Association, and American Statistical Association.

He is the co-author of Using Microcomputers in Social Science Research, and he has authored or co-authored 53 professional publications, and led or participated in 18 grants and funded research projects. Shermis has presented at nearly 200 professional meetings and conferences. He also serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for Psychological Assessment and was a columnist for Evaluation Practice.

Shermis earned a doctorate and master’s degree in educational psychology from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree in developmental psychology from the University of Kansas.

He succeeds Dr. Cynthia Flynn Capers, who currently serves as interim dean of the College of Education.

Busy agenda

“It is truly an honor to be selected as the incoming dean for UA’s College of Education,” Shermis says. “It is clear that the college has a passion for developing quality education programs and educators who are held in high regard. My challenge will be to help it maintain and build a competitive edge both here in Ohio and nationally.

“We have a busy agenda during the next year — an accreditation site visit, planning steps for a new facility, developing our connections with the community and alumni, aligning ourselves with the president’s Strategic Plan, responding to the distance education needs of the region, and following through with some of our international initiatives — just to name a few. I plan to work collaboratively with faculty, staff and students to continue the excellent progress made to date, and to explore new opportunities as they arise.”

The College of Education was established in 1921 and is the second oldest professional school at The University of Akron. One of Ohio’s three largest teacher educator preparation programs, the college is designated a “Successful College of Education” by the Ohio Department of Education. The college operates seven centers and more than 40 collaborative agreements with state and local organizations and agencies.