Dean Kui Xie reflects on his first year at CEHD 

Story by Sarah Salmons
Photo and video by Morgan Solomon

When Dr. Kui Xie arrived at the University of Missouri in July 2025 as dean of the College of Education & Human Development, he knew his first year would be defined by learning. 

Learning the people. Learning the programs. Learning the history. Learning the challenges and opportunities that would shape the college’s future. 

Now, one year later, Xie reflects on a year spent listening, building relationships and laying the groundwork for CEHD’s next chapter. 

“What stands out most is how much there was to learn,” Xie said. “Not only about the college itself, but also about the university, our communities, school districts, alumni, donors and partners across the state and nation. That’s why I spent so much time meeting with people and listening.” 

That commitment to engagement became a defining theme of his first year. Xie participated in and led more than 1,000 engagement activities, ranging from faculty and staff meetings and student events to donor conversations, state policy discussions and national research convenings. 

Those interactions reinforced a conclusion that Xie reached early on: CEHD’s impact extends far beyond its classrooms. 

“What I learned is that this is an exceptional college in an understated way,” he said. “We have programs that have been changing lives for generations. Whether it’s teacher preparation, our Child Development Lab, research initiatives or statewide outreach programs, this college has an extraordinary impact on Missouri communities.” 

Building a Foundation for Growth 

While much of the year focused on listening and relationship-building, it also included significant work to strengthen the college’s infrastructure and prepare for future growth. 

Xie conducted a comprehensive listening tour across all six academic departments and CEHD outreach units, hosted a college-wide State of the College address and expanded opportunities for faculty, staff and students to connect through events such as Donuts with the Dean, Curiosity Café and community-building initiatives. 

Leadership development was another major priority. The college hosted leadership retreats, restructured key leadership roles, launched the Dean’s Faculty Fellows Program and completed several important leadership searches. 

“My goal has been to build a strong leadership team that can help move the college forward strategically,” Xie said. “Everything we do should position CEHD for long-term success.” 

Expanding Research, Partnerships and Visibility 

Despite a challenging national environment for education research funding, CEHD continued to strengthen its research profile. 

The college launched SPARK, a seed grant program designed to support emerging research ideas and collaborations. New interdisciplinary partnerships were established with the College of Engineering through the Eduneering initiative and expanded collaborations with the School of Medicine and the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment. 

Nationally, CEHD’s research reputation continues to grow. The college was ranked No. 12 among public institutions for research expenditures and maintained strong rankings across numerous academic programs. 

Xie also prioritized strengthening CEHD’s visibility beyond campus. During his first year, he engaged with state agencies, legislators, school districts and national organizations while representing the college in Washington, D.C., and at major academic conferences. 

“As a land-grant, flagship, AAU and R1 institution, we have an important responsibility to lead,” Xie said. “Part of my role is ensuring that CEHD’s voice is represented in those conversations.” 

Navigating Challenges 

The first year also brought difficult realities facing higher education nationwide. 

Declining demographics, enrollment pressures, uncertainty in research funding and financial constraints continue to impact colleges across the country. 

Xie believes addressing those challenges requires transparency, accountability and strategic decision-making. 

“We face real challenges, but we also have real strengths,” he said. “My approach has been to understand our current situation honestly while creating structures that support long-term excellence and sustainability.” 

The dean initiated reviews of instructional capacity, organizational effectiveness, research accountability and administrative structures while launching a success and sustainability task force to identify opportunities for greater efficiency and alignment. 

“We do outstanding work, but we need to tell our story more effectively,” Xie said. “One of my goals is to help people better understand the incredible impact CEHD has on students, families, schools and communities.” 

Looking Ahead 

As CEHD prepares for the next academic year, Xie is focused on turning a year of learning into a roadmap for action. 

Key priorities include launching a comprehensive strategic planning process, strengthening communications, investing in faculty and staff success, expanding interdisciplinary research collaborations and pursuing strategic enrollment growth. 

Most importantly, he hopes to elevate CEHD’s national profile while remaining grounded in its mission of serving Missouri. 

“I believe this college has the potential to become a national model,” Xie said. “We have exceptional programs, a strong research foundation, an unmatched commitment to community engagement and extraordinary people who care deeply about our mission.” 

Reflecting on his first year, Xie describes it as a year of renewal and preparation. 

“I want people to remember this as a year of refreshment and strategic growth,” he said. “We have every reason to be proud of this college. We have challenges, but we will face them together. And I truly believe our best days are ahead.”