Dean for a Day

The University of Delaware College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) welcomed Delaware Senator and UD alum Marie Pinkney to its Newark campus as “Dean for the Day” on November 9, 2026. 

The college initiative invites local leaders in education, human development, human services or social work to serve as “Dean for a Day.” The visit includes time to meet with college leadership, visit classrooms and connect informally with students, faculty and staff.

“It was my pleasure to welcome Senator Pinkney to our campus, especially given her longstanding dedication to education and social services for families in Delaware,” said Rena Hallam, dean of CEHD and professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS). “Our college values the opportunities for conversation, reflection and learning from our state leaders.”

In addition to serving District 13 in the Delaware Senate, Pinkney serves as chair of the Health and Social Services committee, vice chair of the Corrections and Public Safety Committee and a member of the Senate Executive and Judiciary committees. She also holds a seat on the Joint Capital Improvement Committee. Prior to joining the Senate, she worked as a social worker and case manager at ChristinaCare. 

Pinkney’s dedication to families seeking quality healthcare, access to resources and educational support aligns well with the mission of CEHD. The college includes two academic departments—-the HDFS and the School of Education (SOE)—and a new master’s of social work program, along with a Children’s Campus and six centers for research and service.

As dean, Pinkney attended the ceremonious breaking of ground for UD’s new Biden Hall with Hallam and a class on adult development and aging with Heather Farmer, assistant professor in HDFS. 

Over lunch, Pinkney met with college leadership, including Steve Amendum, director of the SOE, Jason Hustedt, chair of HDFS, Raphael Travis, faculty director of the MSW program, and Laura Desimone, L. Sandra and Bruce L. Hammonds Professor in Teacher Education and CEHD director of research. Pinkney learned about their research in literacy, human development, social work and teacher learning, as well as their Delaware-based partnerships and initiatives. 

Afterward, Pinkney toured CEHD’s Children’s Campus, learning about the complementary missions of the Early Learning Center, the Lab School and The College School. Together, the Children’s Campus serves children from the ages of six weeks through eighth grade with high-quality, researched-informed early care and education. It also serves as a research and learning site for high schoolers, college students, researchers and professionals in education, human development and related fields. 

“We were excited to share the innovative policy and practice research being conducted within the college alongside the high-quality education to prepare Delaware professionals in social work, education and human services,” Travis said. “We appreciate Senator Pinkney for her inquisitiveness throughout her visit, her graciousness with faculty, staff and students and her ability to translate research and practice concepts into potential policy implications.”

Pinkney is also a UD alum, having received a master’s degree in Africana Studies from the university in 2025.

To learn more about CEHD undergraduate or graduate programs or the work of its centers for research, education and service, visit its website. 

Article by Jessica Henderson. Photography by Shelly Silva.