Conspicuously absent from the list of College of Education Dean candidates being interviewed is Dr. Camilla Benbow, current interim College of Education Dean, and chair of the Department of Psychology. None of the candidates chosen can touch her credentials (hardly anyone can).

Unlike most “College of Education” types, Dr. Benbow has the philosophy and background necessary to turn ISU’s College of Education into one that promotes first rate, empirically grounded scholarship. This orientation has certainly been lacking in most areas of the College in the past.

I can only surmise that her exclusion from consideration must surely be based more on internal petty politics and a “status quo” orientation of the College of Ed selection committee members than her academic leadership qualities. The selection committee ought to be ashamed and embarrassed at her omission.

Bill Matthew, Ph.D.

ISU College of Education alumnus

Director of Special Education

Delano, CA