August 18, 2016 – Dr. Thomas R. Rosebrough, Executive Dean of the College of Education and Human Studies, announced today that he has requested to transition from administration to a full-time teaching role as University Professor of Education. The transition will occur Fall 2017, based on approval obtained from President Oliver and Provost Mitchell.
Rosebrough has served in Christian higher education for the past forty years, with the summer of 2016 concluding his twentieth year as the Executive Dean of the College of Education and Human Studies at Union University.
During Rosebrough’s tenure the School of Education became the College of Education and Human Studies. Likewise, the Departments of Education and Social Work became the School of Education and School of Social Work, respectively. And, numerous degrees were added: Master of Education, Master of Urban Education, Education Specialist, Doctor of Education in P-12 Leadership, and Doctor of Education in Higher Education. Online degrees were also created: Doctor of Education in Higher Education, Doctor of Education in School Reform, Education Specialist in School Reform, and Master of Education in Teaching and Learning. Under the leadership of Rosebrough, the School of Education was recognized nationally as a “Model of Excellence.”
Additionally, the enrollment for the College of Education and Human Studies has more than doubled. National accreditations came to Education, Social Work and Athletic Training during his tenure. And, program implementation on Union’s satellite campuses in Germantown and Hendersonville also occurred. Centers for excellence were also established in both the School of Education and School of Social Work. A dynamic partnership was established with MTR for Christ-centered teacher preparation in urban Memphis. The innovative Union EDGE program was also created to serve students with developmental disabilities at the collegiate level. Teacher internships replaced student teaching, assisting Union teaching candidates to be the best they can be.
Undoubtedly, Rosebrough has a legacy at Union and in higher education of which to be proud. The announcement to College faculty and staff of his transition came with words of humble recognition of God. Dr. Rosebrough said, “I began at Union with Proverbs 3:5-6 and I will conclude with it: We are to trust him with all our hearts and acknowledge him in all our ways, and he will direct our paths. My attitude is one of gratitude to God and to you. The years teach and transform, do they not?”
A search for a new dean will begin as early as possible in the academic cycle. To learn more about the College of Education and Human Studies, visit: http://www.uu.edu/academics/coehs/ .
