Michael Henniger to serve as interim dean at Woodring College as of Jan. 4

Stephanie Salzman, dean of Woodring College of Education since 2002, is leaving her position to pursue other professional interests. Provost Catherine Riordan is pleased to announce that Michael Henniger will assume the role of interim dean of Woodring College of Education, effective Jan. 4. Sheila Fox has agreed to serve as associate dean for the same period.

“I am delighted these two experienced leaders have agreed to lead the college through the period of transition,” Riordan said.

Henniger has been associate dean at the Woodring College of Education for six years. His appointment as interim dean will continue until the appointment of a permanent dean is made. A national search is now under way for this position.

“Woodring College has flourished under Dean Salzman’s leadership. My plan is to continue her good work and maintain all of our excellent programs until a new Dean is appointed,” said Henniger.

Henniger has been at Western for 20 years. Prior to becoming associate dean, he served as department chair for the Elementary Education Department. As a faculty member he taught early childhood education at Western and other higher education institutions. He received his Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Texas at Austin.

Fox, professor of Special Education, is program director for Professional Certificate and National-Board Certificate programs at Woodring College. She received her doctorate from the University of Washington. She was reappointed by Gov. Chris Gregoire to a second four-year term on the Washington State Board of Education.

Western’s Woodring College of Education is recognized throughout Washington, and beyond, as a leader in the development and implementation of programs that prepare outstanding teachers, school administrators, adult educators, and human services professionals.