Story by Sarah Salmons

The University of Missouri College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) has selected its first cohort of Dean’s Faculty Fellows, launching a new leadership development initiative designed to engage faculty in advancing the college’s strategic priorities. 

Beginning August 1, three faculty members will serve two-year appointments focused on graduate education, faculty success, teaching excellence, and strategic initiatives that support the college’s long-term growth and impact. 

The inaugural Dean’s Faculty Fellows are: 

Gabrielle Malfatti, Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis and Office of Global Engagement, will serve as Dean’s Faculty Fellow for Faculty Success with a focus on teaching and will work closely with Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies Ashlie Lester. 

Michael Williams, Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis, will serve as Dean’s Faculty Fellow for Graduate Studies and work closely with Associate Dean for Outreach, Engagement and Graduate Studies Joi Moore. 

Francis Huang, Educational, School & Counseling Psychology, will serve as Dean’s Faculty Fellow for Strategic Initiatives with a focus on research and work closely with Associate Dean for Research Erica Lembke. 

“The Dean’s Faculty Fellows Program reflects our commitment to developing leadership within CEHD and creating opportunities for faculty to help shape the future of the college,” said Dean Kui Xie. “These faculty members bring expertise, creativity, and a collaborative spirit that will strengthen our efforts to support students, faculty, and research excellence.” 

The Dean’s Faculty Fellows Program was established to provide aspiring and emerging faculty leaders with opportunities to engage deeply with college priorities, collaborate across departments, support the leadership team, and contribute to initiatives that advance CEHD’s mission. 

As a cohort, Fellows will work together while focusing on distinct areas of responsibility: 

• Graduate Studies: Supporting graduate student success, program innovation, academic progression, and graduate program quality. 
• Faculty Success: Enhancing teaching excellence, supporting non-tenure-track faculty development, and advancing initiatives that strengthen faculty growth and wellbeing. 
• Strategic Initiatives: Advancing strategic planning efforts, strengthening research visibility and impact, and using data-informed approaches to support college reputation and rankings. 

The program operates through a cohort model that encourages collaboration, shared learning, and cross-unit problem-solving. Fellows will participate in leadership discussions, contribute to strategic initiatives, and work collectively to strengthen the college community. 

The development of the Dean’s Faculty Fellows Program was informed by collaboration with the CEHD Faculty Council, whose members contributed to the program’s design and recruitment efforts. 

AI Teaching Fellow

Cynthia Dudenhoffer, School of Information Science & Learning Technologies, has been reappointed to serve as our college’s AI Teaching Fellow, a Provost office initiative which brings together faculty across the university to advocate and support faculty and students regarding AI and teaching efforts. 

These appointments show the college’s commitment to cultivating leadership, innovation, and institutional excellence across CEHD.