ALASKAN EDUCATOR NAMED SCHOOL'S NEW DEAN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2000
Fairbanks, Alaska - Alaskan educator Roger Norris-Tull has been named dean of the University of Alaska Fairbanks School of Education. Norris-Tull has served as interim director of the school since October 1999. Although his job title will change from director to dean, Norris-Tull's dedication to putting the needs of UAF students and Alaska's future educators first will remain the same, said UAF Chancellor Marshall Lind, who is a former commissioner of the Alaska Department of Education.
"Roger has demonstrated his abilities over the past few months by taking a leadership role in strengthening teaching preparation programs at UAF," Lind said.
As education dean, Norris-Tull will concentrate on improving public school performance through the instruction of future and current teachers, educational research and outreach to Alaska's school districts. In addition, the implementation of the Alaska High School Quality Initiative is prompting additional changes to educational programs offered at UAF. The initiative will require students and teachers to be more accountable for their performance levels.
Norris-Tull brings more than 30 years of experience in education to the position. After receiving his bachelor's degree in secondary education from Indiana University at Bloomington in 1969, Norris-Tull taught science and physical education in West Bend, Wis. From 1973 to 1974, he taught science at Coeur d'Alene Middle School, but then went on to the University of Idaho to complete his own schooling.
In 1975, he earned a master's degree in education at with an emphasis in science education, and received his doctoral degree in education two years later.
At the University of Idaho, Norris-Tull held several positions, including teaching and research assistant at the College of Education, assistant professor in exercise
physiology and biomechanics at the Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Head Track/Cross-Country Coach, visiting assistant professor for the College of Education and assistant professor of education from 1986 to 1992.
Since moving to Alaska in 1992, Norris-Tull has worked as an assistant professor for the School of Education in rural/science education at UAF's Dillingham campus.
Throughout his career, Norris-Tull has received several awards for his teaching efforts. In 1973, he was named Outstanding Young Educator by the West Bend, Wis. School District. He was also named NCAA Division I Track and Field Coach of the Year in 1984. Norris-Tull received the University of Idaho Student Association Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1990 and again two years later.
In 1994, the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, N.J. awarded Norris-Tull a commendation for earning the highest score in the United States on the certifying examination for PRAXIS III, a performance-based teacher assessment and evaluation program.
Norris-Tull has authored a number of scholarly publications and is active in public service at the state and national level. He currently serves on the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Board of Examiners.
In Alaska, Norris-Tull has served on many committees within the Alaska State Department of Education. His special skills and experience within Alaska will be of particular importance with UAF's restructured teaching preparation program, according to Lind.
"His students know him as a great teacher and his colleagues have recognized him as an outstanding leader," Lind said. "Through his experiences and leadership style, Norris-Tull has proven his ability to positively affect the success of this state's current and future educators."
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CONTACT: UAF School of Education Dean Roger Norris-Tull , at (907) 474-7341 or UAF Senior Public Information Officer Debra Damron at (907) 474-7122.
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