Dr. John E. Henning has been named by Monmouth University to serve as the new Dean of the School of Education. An Ohio University native, Henning has experience as a professor, an associate dean, a chair of an education department, and has held many other distinguishing positions in the world of education at The Patton College of Education, Ohio University, and the University of Northern Iowa.
“Dr. Henning’s proven capacity for leading transformational initiatives through partnerships with public schools, community agencies, and universities will enhance the learning experience for our students while greatly expanding their professional opportunities,” said Monmouth University President Paul R. Brown, Ph.D., according to the press release.
Henning earned his doctorate in educational psychology and his master’s degree in vocational education from Kent State University, and also graduated from Penn State. He has received the College of Education Outstanding Faculty Research Award and the College of Education Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award. Henning has written two books, and is in the process of writing two more, including Building Clinical Capacity: Tools and Strategies for Supporting Mentoring During Early Field Experiences.
Henning wants to focus on strengthening external partnerships between the University and professional organizations.
“Strong partnerships can multiply the power and effectiveness of any organization, and this is especially true for a school of education,” Henning said. “Fostering a network approach to professional preparation promotes great teaching, will keep the school at the forefront of innovation in teacher education, and will provide unique research opportunities for our students.”
According to Laura J. Moriarty, Monmouth University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, “Dr. Henning is an innovative and energetic leader with more than 30 years of experience in teaching and teacher education. His diverse background, which includes service as a public school teacher, university professor, and academic administrator, will foster a comprehensive and holistic approach to leading the School of Education.”
Mary Brennan has served as the Interim Dean of the School of Education since October of 2014. She was initially appointed due to the retirement of former Dean Lynn Romero in January 2014, but transitioned into the title of Interim Dean in September 2014 and began serving one month later.
“Interim” Dean refers to serving as a dean for a limited amount of time, according to Brennan. Brennan’s term as the Interim Dean ends on June 30th. 2015. Dr. Henning will take office on July 1st, 2015. Brennan is a specialist professor in Special Education, and she will return to the status of a faculty member when her term ends.
Brennan says being an Interim Dean is a 20/7 job. She says she’s always on call because the “nature of the position is such that you have to be present to faculty, students, and staff, either in person, by phone, or by email. There’s a tremendous amount of interaction with other offices across the campus. In order to really position yourself to be effective, you have to be available.”
Senior Ashley Ordile, an education major, says that Brennan was one of the best professor’s she’d ever had. “I got the most out of her class compared to any other class taken here at Monmouth. She did an excellent job in teaching us what we needed to know in an engaging and effective way”, said Ordile. Worried about the transition of the new dean, Ordile suggests Henning meet with the department frequently to learn the everyday and constant stresses of MU’s education majors.
Another education major, junior Krista Delia, has also had a lot of interaction with Brennan. Delia agrees that Brennan is the best professor in her field at Monmouth, and sees her as a role model for the entire department. Delia, like Ordile, is also nervous for the entering of the new Dean into the School of Education. “The education program is so unique here at Monmouth and the Dean plays a large role in it! I really hope (Henning) listens to Brennan’s advice so the department can stay at the rate it’s going”, said Delia.
Brennan says she appreciates all of the support that she has received from staff, faculty, and fellow administrators during her time as Interim dean, and that she looks forward to continuing her affiliation with them as a faculty member come September.
Brennan doesn’t know Henning very well, but said “I would say he’s going to take us on a very definite course leading to ideas, programs, and innovative approaches to teaching and preparing teachers in the field of education. We’re excited to have somebody with his background and knowledge.”
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