Rena Hallam named CEHD dean

Rena A. Hallam, a professor of human development and family sciences, has been named the new dean of the University of Delaware's College of Education and Human Development, Interim Provost Bill Farquhar announced today. Her appointment is effective immediately.

A UD alumna, Hallam has served as interim dean since August 2024.

"Dr. Hallam is an accomplished leader, one who brings clarity of purpose and a deep commitment to CEHD's mission of improving the lives of children and families through education and service," President Laura Carlson said. "I am grateful to the search committee for the quality of their work, and I look forward to Rena's continued services in this role."

Reporting to Farquhar, Hallam will be a part of the senior administrative team for the University, responsible for the leadership and advancement of CEHD. The college has about 940 undergraduate students, 380 graduate students and 93 faculty members. CEHD also has six research, education and service centers, as well as three living learning laboratories on the Children's Campus.

"Whether in the classroom, in her research or in her service as interim dean, Dr. Hallam has been fully committed to the success of CEHD's students, faculty and staff," Farquhar said. "With a clear vision and a steady, effective leadership style, she is well positioned to lead the college into its next chapter."

Hallam said she is honored to be serving the University and CEHD in this new role.

"UD has been my academic home for a significant part of my career, and I am deeply committed to the students, faculty and staff of CEHD," Hallam said. "I'm excited to continue working with everyone as we move the college and the University forward."

About Rena Hallam

Hallam earned her bachelor's degree from Transylvania University in Kentucky, her master's from the University of Southern Mississippi and her doctorate in family studies from UD.

She joined UD in 2010 as an associate professor. Since 2020, she has directed the Delaware Institute for Excellence in Early Childhood. She has more than 25 years of experience designing, implementing and studying early childhood systems in partnership with governmental agencies. She currently serves as co-director of the Center for Home-Based Child Care Research funded by the Administration for Children and Families.

Her scholarship focuses on strategies for supporting the early childhood workforce and improving the quality of early care and education environments. Her current research focuses on the delivery of pre-K in family child care programs and the development of quality improvement tools in early education.