Providence, RI – Aug. 20, 2019 – The University of Rhode Island has appointed Danielle Dennis, an authority on reading, literacy, and professional development, as the new director of its School of Education located at the University’s Kingston Campus.

In her new role, Dennis will be responsible for leading the members of the School of Education in the planning and development of nationally recognized research; granting and instructional activities; fiscal accountability; and incorporating instructional delivery technologies into learning processes across face-to-face and online settings.

“Dr. Dennis possesses a strong record of academic publications, research grant awards, and, by all other accounts, is an excellent professor. Her professional experiences in improving instructional practices, and student literacy, in both urban and suburban district and schools, are important assets to share with our students and faculty,” said R. Anthony Rolle, Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies. “Her leadership style will enhance the good works that are already occurring in the School of Education, and will encourage the development of new ones.”

Dennis succeeds David Byrd, who served in the position for 15 years. He will return to his position as professor of education and teach undergraduate and graduate level classes.

Dennis comes to URI from the University of South Florida where she served as an associate professor of literacy studies, co-coordinator of the Urban Teacher Residency Partnership Program, and program director of the Cambridge (United Kingdom) Schools Experience. A literacy teacher educator, her research focuses on literacy assessment, policy, and teacher professional development.

Dennis serves on the editorial review board for The Reading Teacher. Additionally, she serves as a member of the Literacy Research Association’s Policy and Legislative Committee, the International Reading Association’s Presidential Task Force for Teacher Education Reform, and the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Clinical Practice Commission.

She earned her Ph.D. in language and literacy education from the University of Tennessee.

URI’s School of Education is housed within the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Education and Professional Studies, a two-campus college located on the Kingston and Providence campuses, which provides an interconnected approach to undergraduate, graduate and adult education. The college also includes the Office of Strategic Initiatives, an entrepreneurial office that creates innovative educational and industry-related professional development and academic programs.