Alfonzo Thurman Named UWM School of Education Dean

MILWAUKEE - Alfonzo Thurman has been named dean of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, effective Sept. 1, 2001. He also will serve as the Chancellor's Deputy for Education Partnerships.

Thurman comes to UWM from Northern Illinois University, where he has served as dean of the College of Education since 1996. "Al comes to us with an outstanding record of building extramural funding for research, training and instruction, increased community partnerships, higher minority enrollments and the creation of professional development districts," said John Wanat, UWM provost and vice chancellor in announcing Thurman's appointment.

"As dean of the School of Education, he will be the point person, not only to the education community on this campus, but also to the larger metropolitan Milwaukee education community," said Wanat.

Thurman said he was attracted to UWM because of the school's fine reputation, the leadership of Chancellor Nancy Zimpher, and the School of Education's involvement with the Milwaukee Public Schools. "The School of Education, through its partnership and commitment to Milwaukee Public Schools, is dedicated to improving the performance of children," said Thurman.

Thurman said he is enthusiastic about serving as the Chancellor's Deputy for Education Partnerships, a position created in 1999 to oversee collaborative intervention efforts and action research projects to enhance significant education reform. "I'm excited about working with faculty across the campus, and with the community and corporate leaders off campus to improve our educational system," said Thurman.

He sees UWM's partnerships with the public schools as a benefit both for teachers and children in the schools and for UWM's faculty and students. "I think working closely with the schools for an extensive period enhances the professional development of our faculty and education students."

Thurman, who is a Racine native, earned his Ph.D in educational policy studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in public policy and educational institutions. He also has an M.A. in educational policy studies from UW-Madison and a B.S. in English from UW-LaCrosse.

Before becoming dean of the College of Education at NIU, he served as associate dean for eight years. He has been at NIU since 1980.

Thurman succeeds William Harvey as dean of UWM's School of Education. Harvey left UWM to serve as vice president and director of the office of minorities in higher education for the American Council on Education. Mohammed Aman, dean of the School of Information Studies, has served as interim dean of the School of Education since last summer.

Thurman has done extensive research and work in the areas of university/community partnerships, multicultural education, the use of technology in research and teaching, and ways to support increased diversity among college students and faculty.

Thurman says one of his prime objectives is to work with UWM's faculty and staff to build on the university's strong tradition and excellent reputation for educating teachers, particularly for urban schools, and for research in partnership with the schools.

"We would like to see the UWM School of Education receive recognition as one of the top schools of education in the country," he added.

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