Organizational Structure
- Dean: Tammi Dice
- Associate Dean for Academic Operations: Mickey Kosloski (Interim)
- Director of Innovative Technology: Michael Ruffin
- Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, Research, and Partnerships: Jamie Colwell
- Administrative Assistant to the Associate Deans: Dorothea Harris-King
- Director of Teacher Apprenticeships and Teacher in Residence Program: Jody Sommerfeldt
- Director for the DCEPS Research Support Center: Justin Haegele
- Children’s Learning & Research Center Liaison
- Partnership Programming Leads
- Associate Dean for Academic Innovation and Assessment: Xihe Zhu
- Assessment and Accreditation Analyst: Xiaosong Fan
- Director of the Office of Clinical Experiences: Jennessa Libby-Reynolds
- Placement Specialist: Brenda Houck
- Clearance Process Coordinator: Deirdre Isadore
- Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Engagement: James Bartlett
- Director of Communications: Mindy Ayala-Diaz (reporting through University Communications)
- Outreach and Engagement Specialist: Kristen Taylor
- Career & Advising Resource Center Liaison:
- Director of Advising: Alex Whitney
- Advisor: Ciera Harris
- Advisor: Deb Kirkland
- Advisor: Vacant
- Chair, Department of Counseling and Human Services: Mark Rehfuss
- Office Manager: Darrella Wilson
- Chair, Department of Educational Leadership and Workforce Development: Phil Reed (Interim)
- Office Manager: Vista Johnson
- Chair, Human Movement Studies and Special Education: Jonna Bobzien
- Office Manager: Carla Knox
- Chair, STEM Education and Professional Studies: Shana Pribesh
- Office Manager: Deidre Hall
- Chair, Teaching & Learning: Angela Eckhoff
- Office Manager: Barbara Webb
- Administrative Affairs and Operations Manager: Leteria Scott
- Director of Financial Operations: Ryan Tomberlin
- Budget Manager: Angel Hicks
- Fiscal Technician: Denise Smith
- Fiscal Technician: Katelyn Sater
- Fiscal Technician: Stephen Garcia
- Fiscal Technician: Vacant
- Associate Dean for Academic Operations: Mickey Kosloski (Interim)
Dean’s Office Staff Roles
Director of Communications
With a background in organizational communication and more than a decade of experience in higher education, Mindy Ayala-Diaz has served the Darden College of Education & Professional Studies since August 2021. She prioritizes brand alignment with the overarching university brand, while telling the unique stories found within the DCEPS.
Reporting through University Communications
Key responsibilities:
- Develop and implement strategic marketing and communication plans.
- Create and manage content for digital, print, and social media channels.
- Coordinate and promote college events to maximize visibility and attendance.
- Manage social media accounts and develop strategies to enhance online presence.
- Provide guidance and support on best practices for marketing and communication.
- Oversee photography and media requests, ensuring alignment with branding.
- Ensure all marketing and communications efforts comply with ’s brand standards and accessibility guidelines.
- Liaise with central university resources and external vendors for project support.
- Monitor and analyze marketing performance, adjusting strategies as needed.
- Provide strategic guidance on upcoming and ongoing campaigns.
Assessment & Accreditation Analyst
Xiaosong’s expertise in analytics skills and experience in working with institutional data ensures accurate representation of student data in reporting process. He is passionate in providing and using data to make an impact for the college.
Contact: xfan@odu.edu
Data request form:
Key responsibilities:
- Lead systems of data management, reporting, and analysis for the college.
- Promote a data-informed and evidence-based culture among faculty/staff in which data of fidelity and integrity drives program improvement efforts. Facilitate programs(UPD/GPD) and faculty to understand, interpret, and utilize data for decision making and student retention and recruitment effort.
- Establish and coordinate system for tracking and responding to faculty/staff ad hoc requests and develop standard reporting templates for recurring requests. Provide support for college-level and program-level university reporting requirements.
- Coordinate and responsible for college SACSCOC, WEAVE reporting, and program data and assessment reporting for external accreditation efforts (CAEP, Title II, CACREP, ALA, ALISE, SPA, etc.).
- Support data need on student information including program enrollment and retention goal, headcount, demographics, FTE, GPA, graduation, course grades and registration, and other relevant student information.
- Fulfill ad-hoc data needs for faculty/staff and program related to IRB research and grant proposal.
Administrative Assistant to the Associate Deans
Since joining in 2015, Dorothea has had the opportunity to work closely with faculty, staff, students, and university partners in a role centered on connection, communication, and support. She brings a thoughtful, analytical approach to her work, whether researching an issue, gathering and organizing information, or helping move an initiative from an idea to action. She values being student centered and taking decisive action when needed.
At the heart of her work is a genuine desire to help others feel supported, connected, and heard. She takes pride in being a dependable partner to the Associate Deans and the DCEPS community and in contributing to a positive experience for the students, faculty, and staff she serves.
Key responsibilities:
- Serve as a central point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. Support day-to-day office operations and identify opportunities to improve workflow, enhance efficiency, and strengthen administrative processes.
- Support UPD/GPD program outreach and connections by coordinating communications, facilitating engagement, and connecting programs with faculty, staff, students, and university partners.
- Oversees the DCEPS Virginia Educators 25% Discount Program.
- Reviews dissertations and theses for formatting compliance and support students in meeting established deadlines and submission dates, ensuring adherence to academic standards and guidelines.
- Coordinate scholarship communications by distributing scholarship announcements, deadlines, and reminders to students and relevant stakeholders. Reviews submitted scholarship materials for completeness and compliance and prepare materials for committee review and evaluation.
- Oversee the DCEPS room reservation process for internal and external stakeholders by coordinating space requests, managing reservations, and providing clear guidance on policies and procedures to ensure effective space planning and a seamless reservation experience.
Director of Clinical Experiences
With over 17 years in education and a United States Army Reserves Veteran, Jennessa holds an active license in Elementary Education PreK-6 with a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction along with an Educational Specialist endorsement, finds pride in her selfless service to support DCEPS students through collaborative efforts, and fostering inclusive, relationship-driven environments that boost student achievement.
Email (preferred): jlibbyre@odu.edu
Office phone: 757-683-3348
Website: Office of Clinical Experiences
Key responsibilities:
- Verify degrees by completing College Verification Forms for state licensing, to include the Career Switcher Alternative Route to Licensure Recommendation Forms for both the one-year non-renewable provisional Licenses and for verifying the completion of Level I and II of the Career Switcher Program for a ten-year renewable license.
- Provide assistance for teacher education program students seeking access to tutoring and funding for testing vouchers required for licensure assessments.
- Serve as the point of contact for the TEACH Grant and create Financial Aid Memos for eligible students.
- Oversee student placements and manage the process for obtaining background checks.
- Work closely with University Supervisors and Clinical Faculty to ensure the success of Student Teacher Candidates during their internship.
- Review and process all Undergraduate Teacher Education Program Applications for acceptance.
- Guide and direct students in their search for scholarships and assist in recruitment efforts for various Teacher Education Programs.
Director of Innovative Technology
Michael strategically partners with stakeholders across the tech industry to recruit and engineer innovative solutions to support teaching, research, and workflow within the college.
Website:
Key responsibilities:
- Partner with tech vendors and ETT leadership to recruit new technology solutions to enhance teaching, learning, and research across the college.
- Provides personalized support and hands-on training in integrating technology, including tools for learning management, digital collaboration, and workflow optimization to help faculty and staff maximize the use of campus technologies.
- Provide technology consulting to enhance technology use in research, grants, and academic initiatives.
- Oversee the administration and strategic management of the Equipment Trust Fund (ETF), ensuring that technology investments align with the college's academic and operational goals.
- Oversee fixed asset tracking and auditing of technology assets across the college, ensuring efficient use of resources and the seamless integration of cutting-edge tools for faculty, staff, and students.
- Livetext Administrator, providing faculty with training and tech support in use of the platform for assessments and reporting.
- Oversee the Learning Resource Center (Room 3300), a dynamic hub offering access to 3D printing, eSports, platform gaming, immersive VR experiences, high-performance computing, collaborative study spaces, and a curated collection of books and tech tools.
- Oversee the Media-Tech Center (Room 1118), where DCEPS faculty, staff, and students can access professional-grade podcasting along with video and audio recording services for empowering creativity and enhancing digital content production.
Administrative Affairs & Operations Manager
Leteria Scott is a seasoned educational administrative professional with a strong commitment to higher education and staff development. She currently serves as the Administrative Affairs and Operations Manager where she plays a pivotal role in supporting the dean and enhancing operational efficiency. Her dedication to the dean's office ensures seamless administrative operations and effective communication across the college.
A passionate advocate for professional development, Leteria fosters an environment of growth and learning, equipping staff to excel in their roles and advance in their careers. Leteria’s unwavering dedication to higher education and her exemplary service to the dean make her a standout leader in the field, committed to driving positive change and fostering an inclusive and dynamic academic environment.
Key responsibilities:
- Executive Support to the Dean: Provide comprehensive administrative support, representing the dean in various internal and external capacities, managing confidential matters, and coordinating complex schedules and appointments.
- Operational Oversight: Direct daily administrative operations of the dean’s office, managing the front office and work-study students, and ensuring efficient workflow and task management.
- Event Planning and Coordination: Manage, plan, and execute events, overseeing all aspects from pre-event preparation to post-event activities, ensuring adherence to college standards.
- Departmental Collaboration: Maintain effective working relationships with academic department chairs, staff, and faculty, facilitating communication and coordination of initiatives and special projects.
- Evaluation Assistance: Assist with creating evaluations for the dean, associate deans, assistant deans, and department chairs, and support the promotion and tenure evaluation processes.
- Financial Management: Oversee purchasing processes, manage expenses, and reconcile expenditures to ensure accurate and timely financial operations.
- Space Enhancement Committee Oversight: Oversee the Space Enhancement Committee for the building, ensuring optimal use and improvement of facilities.
- Administrative Training and Development: Provide guidance and training to administrative staff, promoting professional development, operational excellence, and adherence to college policies and procedures.
Outreach & Engagement Specialist
Kristen has worked in higher education for 5 years and brings a wealth of experience in relationship-building, event planning, and strategic engagement. Her background in admissions and event coordination has honed her ability to lead impactful admission and retention efforts, organize successful outreach initiatives, and cultivate strong, lasting connections.
Key responsibilities:
- Creates and executes program-specific recruitment plans, provides regular data analysis of prospective, inquiry and enrollment activity.
- Identifies recruitment challenges and suggests potential solutions to these challenges.
- Develop strategic event/visit plans to engage prospective undergraduate, graduate, adult and online students for both campus and virtual events.
- Implement strategies to move individuals through the admissions and initial enrollment process, moving prospects to applicants, applicants to completion and admission, and admission to initial enrollment.
- Answer inquiries from prospective students regarding admissions and questions regarding the University’s enrollment services processes.
- Design and manage prospective student visit days to include Open Houses, Admitted Student Days, class visit days and campus tours.
- Facilitate contact between Program Directors and prospects, applicants and admitted students as appropriate.
- Work with university partners for enrollment growth and retention strategies and other initiatives that align with college strategic direction.
Director of Financial Operations
With more than 15 years of public-sector experience in financial management, program management, and organizational operations, Ryan provides strategic financial oversight and supports efficient, effective operations across the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies.
Key responsibilities:
- Strategic Support to the Dean: Provide comprehensive financial advisement to optimize fund utilization, enhance executive communications, and support strategic planning initiatives.
- Financial Oversight: Oversee the College's financial outcomes and effectively communicate financial data to stakeholders.
- Team Development: Leverage interdisciplinary experience in to build and develop teams, aligning each member's unique skillset with organizational goals.
- Financial Analysis: Conduct financial data queries and analyses for reporting purposes or ad-hoc requests.
- Budget Modeling and Planning: Collaborate with department leadership to formulate detailed financial models and plans for various scenarios.
- Forecasting and Projections: Offer guidance to stakeholders on actual expenditures and future financial projections.
- Process Improvement: Identify and implement creative problem-solving strategies to enhance fiscal and operational systems.
- University Collaboration: Partner with leaders across the university to understand current processes and innovate forward-focused solutions.
Director of Advising
As the Director of Advising for the Career and Advising Resource Center (CARC), our advisors and myself play a critical role in guiding students through their academic journeys and supporting their success from their first day on campus to walking across the stage at graduation. We contact students with resources that further enhance their academic success at the university.
Contact:
- Office Inbox: carc@odu.edu
- Direct Inbox: wwhitney@odu.edu
- Office Phone: 757-683-4789
- CARC Website (contains major-specific contacts)
Key responsibilities:
- Coordinate the advising for the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies undergraduate programs.
- Provide advising for incoming, transfer, and continuing students.
- Assist students in understanding university policy, program requirements, and course prerequisites.
- Provide strategic direction, setting goals, and ensuring the effective delivery of advising services.
- Develop advising programs to assist students with course selection, academic planning, and achieving educational goals.
- Coordinate with UPD’s and GPD’s to ensure that receive accurate information.
- Establish relationships with other departments and offices across campus to connect students with services needed for success.
- Serve as a liaison between students, advisors, and institutional leadership, ensuring clear and consistent communication.
- Collaborate with other offices to promote a coordinated effort from admission to graduation.
Director of Communications
With a background in organizational communication and more than a decade of experience in higher education, Mindy Ayala-Diaz has served the Darden College of Education & Professional Studies since August 2021. She prioritizes brand alignment with the overarching university brand, while telling the unique stories found within the DCEPS.
Reporting through University Communications
Key responsibilities:
- Develop and implement strategic marketing and communication plans.
- Create and manage content for digital, print, and social media channels.
- Coordinate and promote college events to maximize visibility and attendance.
- Manage social media accounts and develop strategies to enhance online presence.
- Provide guidance and support on best practices for marketing and communication.
- Oversee photography and media requests, ensuring alignment with branding.
- Ensure all marketing and communications efforts comply with ’s brand standards and accessibility guidelines.
- Liaise with central university resources and external vendors for project support.
- Monitor and analyze marketing performance, adjusting strategies as needed.
- Provide strategic guidance on upcoming and ongoing campaigns.
Assessment & Accreditation Analyst
Xiaosong’s expertise in analytics skills and experience in working with institutional data ensures accurate representation of student data in reporting process. He is passionate in providing and using data to make an impact for the college.
Contact: xfan@odu.edu
Data request form:
Key responsibilities:
- Lead systems of data management, reporting, and analysis for the college.
- Promote a data-informed and evidence-based culture among faculty/staff in which data of fidelity and integrity drives program improvement efforts. Facilitate programs(UPD/GPD) and faculty to understand, interpret, and utilize data for decision making and student retention and recruitment effort.
- Establish and coordinate system for tracking and responding to faculty/staff ad hoc requests and develop standard reporting templates for recurring requests. Provide support for college-level and program-level university reporting requirements.
- Coordinate and responsible for college SACSCOC, WEAVE reporting, and program data and assessment reporting for external accreditation efforts (CAEP, Title II, CACREP, ALA, ALISE, SPA, etc.).
- Support data need on student information including program enrollment and retention goal, headcount, demographics, FTE, GPA, graduation, course grades and registration, and other relevant student information.
- Fulfill ad-hoc data needs for faculty/staff and program related to IRB research and grant proposal.
Administrative Assistant to the Associate Deans
Since joining in 2015, Dorothea has had the opportunity to work closely with faculty, staff, students, and university partners in a role centered on connection, communication, and support. She brings a thoughtful, analytical approach to her work, whether researching an issue, gathering and organizing information, or helping move an initiative from an idea to action. She values being student centered and taking decisive action when needed.
At the heart of her work is a genuine desire to help others feel supported, connected, and heard. She takes pride in being a dependable partner to the Associate Deans and the DCEPS community and in contributing to a positive experience for the students, faculty, and staff she serves.
Key responsibilities:
- Serve as a central point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. Support day-to-day office operations and identify opportunities to improve workflow, enhance efficiency, and strengthen administrative processes.
- Support UPD/GPD program outreach and connections by coordinating communications, facilitating engagement, and connecting programs with faculty, staff, students, and university partners.
- Oversees the DCEPS Virginia Educators 25% Discount Program.
- Reviews dissertations and theses for formatting compliance and support students in meeting established deadlines and submission dates, ensuring adherence to academic standards and guidelines.
- Coordinate scholarship communications by distributing scholarship announcements, deadlines, and reminders to students and relevant stakeholders. Reviews submitted scholarship materials for completeness and compliance and prepare materials for committee review and evaluation.
- Oversee the DCEPS room reservation process for internal and external stakeholders by coordinating space requests, managing reservations, and providing clear guidance on policies and procedures to ensure effective space planning and a seamless reservation experience.
Director of Clinical Experiences
With over 17 years in education and a United States Army Reserves Veteran, Jennessa holds an active license in Elementary Education PreK-6 with a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction along with an Educational Specialist endorsement, finds pride in her selfless service to support DCEPS students through collaborative efforts, and fostering inclusive, relationship-driven environments that boost student achievement.
Email (preferred): jlibbyre@odu.edu
Office phone: 757-683-3348
Website: Office of Clinical Experiences
Key responsibilities:
- Verify degrees by completing College Verification Forms for state licensing, to include the Career Switcher Alternative Route to Licensure Recommendation Forms for both the one-year non-renewable provisional Licenses and for verifying the completion of Level I and II of the Career Switcher Program for a ten-year renewable license.
- Provide assistance for teacher education program students seeking access to tutoring and funding for testing vouchers required for licensure assessments.
- Serve as the point of contact for the TEACH Grant and create Financial Aid Memos for eligible students.
- Oversee student placements and manage the process for obtaining background checks.
- Work closely with University Supervisors and Clinical Faculty to ensure the success of Student Teacher Candidates during their internship.
- Review and process all Undergraduate Teacher Education Program Applications for acceptance.
- Guide and direct students in their search for scholarships and assist in recruitment efforts for various Teacher Education Programs.
Director of Innovative Technology
Michael strategically partners with stakeholders across the tech industry to recruit and engineer innovative solutions to support teaching, research, and workflow within the college.
Website:
Key responsibilities:
- Partner with tech vendors and ETT leadership to recruit new technology solutions to enhance teaching, learning, and research across the college.
- Provides personalized support and hands-on training in integrating technology, including tools for learning management, digital collaboration, and workflow optimization to help faculty and staff maximize the use of campus technologies.
- Provide technology consulting to enhance technology use in research, grants, and academic initiatives.
- Oversee the administration and strategic management of the Equipment Trust Fund (ETF), ensuring that technology investments align with the college's academic and operational goals.
- Oversee fixed asset tracking and auditing of technology assets across the college, ensuring efficient use of resources and the seamless integration of cutting-edge tools for faculty, staff, and students.
- Livetext Administrator, providing faculty with training and tech support in use of the platform for assessments and reporting.
- Oversee the Learning Resource Center (Room 3300), a dynamic hub offering access to 3D printing, eSports, platform gaming, immersive VR experiences, high-performance computing, collaborative study spaces, and a curated collection of books and tech tools.
- Oversee the Media-Tech Center (Room 1118), where DCEPS faculty, staff, and students can access professional-grade podcasting along with video and audio recording services for empowering creativity and enhancing digital content production.
Administrative Affairs & Operations Manager
Leteria Scott is a seasoned educational administrative professional with a strong commitment to higher education and staff development. She currently serves as the Administrative Affairs and Operations Manager where she plays a pivotal role in supporting the dean and enhancing operational efficiency. Her dedication to the dean's office ensures seamless administrative operations and effective communication across the college.
A passionate advocate for professional development, Leteria fosters an environment of growth and learning, equipping staff to excel in their roles and advance in their careers. Leteria’s unwavering dedication to higher education and her exemplary service to the dean make her a standout leader in the field, committed to driving positive change and fostering an inclusive and dynamic academic environment.
Key responsibilities:
- Executive Support to the Dean: Provide comprehensive administrative support, representing the dean in various internal and external capacities, managing confidential matters, and coordinating complex schedules and appointments.
- Operational Oversight: Direct daily administrative operations of the dean’s office, managing the front office and work-study students, and ensuring efficient workflow and task management.
- Event Planning and Coordination: Manage, plan, and execute events, overseeing all aspects from pre-event preparation to post-event activities, ensuring adherence to college standards.
- Departmental Collaboration: Maintain effective working relationships with academic department chairs, staff, and faculty, facilitating communication and coordination of initiatives and special projects.
- Evaluation Assistance: Assist with creating evaluations for the dean, associate deans, assistant deans, and department chairs, and support the promotion and tenure evaluation processes.
- Financial Management: Oversee purchasing processes, manage expenses, and reconcile expenditures to ensure accurate and timely financial operations.
- Space Enhancement Committee Oversight: Oversee the Space Enhancement Committee for the building, ensuring optimal use and improvement of facilities.
- Administrative Training and Development: Provide guidance and training to administrative staff, promoting professional development, operational excellence, and adherence to college policies and procedures.
Outreach & Engagement Specialist
Kristen has worked in higher education for 5 years and brings a wealth of experience in relationship-building, event planning, and strategic engagement. Her background in admissions and event coordination has honed her ability to lead impactful admission and retention efforts, organize successful outreach initiatives, and cultivate strong, lasting connections.
Key responsibilities:
- Creates and executes program-specific recruitment plans, provides regular data analysis of prospective, inquiry and enrollment activity.
- Identifies recruitment challenges and suggests potential solutions to these challenges.
- Develop strategic event/visit plans to engage prospective undergraduate, graduate, adult and online students for both campus and virtual events.
- Implement strategies to move individuals through the admissions and initial enrollment process, moving prospects to applicants, applicants to completion and admission, and admission to initial enrollment.
- Answer inquiries from prospective students regarding admissions and questions regarding the University’s enrollment services processes.
- Design and manage prospective student visit days to include Open Houses, Admitted Student Days, class visit days and campus tours.
- Facilitate contact between Program Directors and prospects, applicants and admitted students as appropriate.
- Work with university partners for enrollment growth and retention strategies and other initiatives that align with college strategic direction.
Director of Financial Operations
With more than 15 years of public-sector experience in financial management, program management, and organizational operations, Ryan provides strategic financial oversight and supports efficient, effective operations across the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies.
Key responsibilities:
- Strategic Support to the Dean: Provide comprehensive financial advisement to optimize fund utilization, enhance executive communications, and support strategic planning initiatives.
- Financial Oversight: Oversee the College's financial outcomes and effectively communicate financial data to stakeholders.
- Team Development: Leverage interdisciplinary experience in to build and develop teams, aligning each member's unique skillset with organizational goals.
- Financial Analysis: Conduct financial data queries and analyses for reporting purposes or ad-hoc requests.
- Budget Modeling and Planning: Collaborate with department leadership to formulate detailed financial models and plans for various scenarios.
- Forecasting and Projections: Offer guidance to stakeholders on actual expenditures and future financial projections.
- Process Improvement: Identify and implement creative problem-solving strategies to enhance fiscal and operational systems.
- University Collaboration: Partner with leaders across the university to understand current processes and innovate forward-focused solutions.
Director of Advising
As the Director of Advising for the Career and Advising Resource Center (CARC), our advisors and myself play a critical role in guiding students through their academic journeys and supporting their success from their first day on campus to walking across the stage at graduation. We contact students with resources that further enhance their academic success at the university.
Contact:
- Office Inbox: carc@odu.edu
- Direct Inbox: wwhitney@odu.edu
- Office Phone: 757-683-4789
- CARC Website (contains major-specific contacts)
Key responsibilities:
- Coordinate the advising for the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies undergraduate programs.
- Provide advising for incoming, transfer, and continuing students.
- Assist students in understanding university policy, program requirements, and course prerequisites.
- Provide strategic direction, setting goals, and ensuring the effective delivery of advising services.
- Develop advising programs to assist students with course selection, academic planning, and achieving educational goals.
- Coordinate with UPD’s and GPD’s to ensure that receive accurate information.
- Establish relationships with other departments and offices across campus to connect students with services needed for success.
- Serve as a liaison between students, advisors, and institutional leadership, ensuring clear and consistent communication.
- Collaborate with other offices to promote a coordinated effort from admission to graduation.
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