Announcing the Interim Dean for the Connie L. Lurie College of Education

Sent: February 10, 2025

From: Vincent J. Del Casino, Jr., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to announce that Dr. David Whitenack has accepted the position of Interim Dean of the Lurie College of Education. He will begin his transition into the role on February 17, 2025, providing him time to work directly with Dean Lattimer over the last several weeks of her appointment, which officially ends on February 28, 2025. I am very thankful to Dr. Whitenack for stepping into the leadership role in the college at this important time and very much look forward to working with him directly as we search for a permanent dean.

Dr. Whitenack is a highly regarded educator, scholar, and leader whose work on equitable education has been transformative here at SJSU and in his field. Over his career he has focused, in particular, on the education of emergent multilingual students while also supervising pre-service teachers and coordinating the graduate program in Teacher Education. His research interests include bilingual, multilingual, and multicultural education, as well as teacher education and professional development. He has published and presented on topics related to improving the education of English learners. In the spirit of SJSU’s scholarship of engagement, Dr. Whitenack’s synergistic efforts in teaching and research crosscut his ongoing commitment to translating that work in broader professional development programs. He has brought this spirit of engaged learning and collaborative education to his work as Chair of the Department of Teacher Education over the last four years to great success!

I want to thank everyone in the Lurie College of Education who submitted nominations to inform this process. The College is in a very strong position and I am confident that it will continue to thrive during this transitional period with Dr. Whitenack’s leadership.

The official launch for the next permanent dean will soon launch as well and I look forward to welcoming outstanding candidates to campus this spring. Of course, big shout out to the current Dean, Heather Lattimer, who has done such an incredible job for the college over the past seven years!

As always, please reach out if you have any questions. And, thank you all for your ongoing commitment to the work of SJSU. It is deeply appreciated.

Sincerely,
Vin