Our Mission
Defined by its commitment to serve children, youth and families across educational, community and family settings, University of Delaware’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) offers enriching academic programs, engages in timely, externally-funded research and supports schools, districts and other community organizations through its centers for education, research and public service. CEHD comprises two academic units, the School of Education (SOE) and the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS), as well as 10 centers.
Committed to the development of nearly 1,000 undergraduate and graduate students, more than 100 full-time and jointly appointed faculty members prepare students for careers in teaching, educational leadership, education, human services, human relations administration and more. Since 2019, CEHD faculty have also garnered $26 million on average in external funding for research that addresses critical, real-world problems in educational, community and family settings. Through the centers, CEHD faculty, staff and students also develop and maintain partnerships with schools, districts and other community organizations to deliver services crucial to the education and human development of children, youth and families.
In all areas of teaching, research and service, diversity, equity and inclusion serve as core values and guiding principles in CEHD’s mission to prepare students to educate, serve and lead in diverse schools and communities.
About the Dean
Rena Hallam is interim dean of CEHD and professor in HDFS. Her research focuses on strategies for improving the quality of both center-based and family child care environments with an emphasis on the design and implementation of state systems and policies. She has served in a principal investigator role across multiple federally-funded research projects on topics of early childhood transition, child assessment and the intersection of child care quality and subsidized child care.
“Through her research and service, Rena has shown a deep commitment to improving early-childhood education for both children and educators, demonstrating the tremendous impact that our scholarship can have on future generations,” UD President Assanis said. “I know Rena will bring this same mindset to her new role serving the entire College of Education and Human Development. I am excited to work with her to maintain the positive momentum of CEHD and the whole University.
Prior CEHD Leadership
After five years of service, Gary T. Henry, professor in the SOE and Joseph R. Biden Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration, concluded his term as dean in August 2024. With the support of CEHD faculty and staff, Henry accomplished many strategic goals in the service of Delaware children, families and their communities.
In partnership with CEHD faculty and staff, Henry strengthened the CEHD teacher and school leadership “pipeline,” which includes how students and professionals begin their relationship with CEHD, matriculate through its programs or services, begin or continue their work in Delaware schools and continue their relationship with CEHD through professional learning and/or school partnerships. Henry also strengthened partnerships between CEHD and the state and has responded to critical needs in Delaware with new initiatives and programs.