College of Education names interim dean

Effective July 1, Dr. Marjorie Shavers will become interim dean of the Missouri State University College of Education (COE). She replaces Dr. Barri Tinkler, who will return to a faculty position.

Shavers has served as the college's associate dean since August 2023. In this role, she has provided leadership for strategic initiatives, academic programs, faculty development and external engagement.

"I'm honored to serve as interim dean and work alongside the incredible faculty, staff, students and community partners who make the College of Education such a special place," Shavers said. "Together, we'll continue preparing educators who make a lasting difference in the lives of students and the communities they serve."

Her work has strengthened recruitment and retention efforts, expanded partnerships with K-12 districts and community organizations, and elevated COE's visibility and impact. She has also been central to strategic planning, leading the development of the college's goals in alignment with the university's strategic plan.

"Dr. Shavers brings deep institutional knowledge to this role, along with strong relationships throughout our campus and community and a demonstrated commitment to the mission of Missouri State," Provost Clarenda Phillips said. "I'm confident in her leadership and delighted that she'll guide the college forward during this transition."

Shavers earned her doctorate in counselor education from The Ohio State University in 2010. She then served as an assistant professor of counseling at Morehead State University from 2011-13 and held several faculty leadership roles at Heidelberg University for eight years. In 2021, she joined Missouri State as head of the counseling, leadership and special education department, later serving as director of the School of Special Education, Leadership and Professional Studies before becoming COE associate dean.

In these positions, she oversaw academic programs, supported faculty scholarship and teaching, and guided accreditation and program development, while fostering key clinical and community partnerships.

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