Apr. 4, 2017
CWU Appoints New Executive Director of School of Education
Paul Ballard, dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies at Central Washington University, today appointed Ron Jacobson as Executive Director of the CWU School of Education.
Jacobson, who will begin on August 1, has served as dean of the College of Education at Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, since 2012, and spent several years at Northwest as an assistant/associate professor teaching in the education program.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have Dr. Jacobson join the leadership team at the School of Education,” Ballard said. “His experience and record of excellence positions him as the ideal person to guide the school through the challenges, changes, and opportunities in education in the years to come.”
Jacobson is a CWU alumni, graduating with a BS in economics, before earning a master’s degree from Regent College in Vancouver, B.C. and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Washington in Seattle.
“Central Washington University’s School of Education has a storied tradition in our state,” Jacobson said. “As the largest producer of certified teachers in Washington, CWU continues to influence thousands of K-12 students on a daily basis. I’m thrilled to join that tradition of excellence and look forward to working with the students, staff, and faculty at Central.”
Jacobson said he was particularly looking forward to helping the School of Education address the significant teacher shortages in the state of Washington. Last year, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction described the shortage as a “crisis” and said more than 90 percent of school principals report difficulties in finding certified instructors.
In his new position, Jacobson will be responsible for providing leadership and vision to the School of Education as well as collaborating with colleges and departments that offer teacher education programs. His duties will also include coordinating curriculum, assessment, strategic planning and external initiatives involving the school.
CWU’s School of Education, which has been educating teachers for more than 125 years, is among the largest in the United States. About one Washington teacher in five is a CWU graduate. Since 2005, five CWU School of Education graduates have been honored as Washington State Teacher of the Year.
Media contact: Richard Moreno, director of content development, 509-963-2714, Richard.Moreno@cwu.edu.