New Dean Appointed to School of Education & Human Services

Beth Kubitskey, an associate dean at Eastern Michigan University and longtime advocate for the improvement of K-12 teaching and learning in Michigan, has been selected as dean of the School of Education and Human Services at UM-Flint.

The Board of Regents approved her appointment July 15. Kubitskey, a University of Michigan alumna, will step into the role on Sept. 1, succeeding Interim Dean Sapna Thwaite.

"Professor Kubitskey is a transformational leader in higher education regarding K-12 education," said Sonja Feist-Price, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. "She is well known and respected for advancing elementary and secondary education throughout the state, and using this knowledge, she will foster change and progress in the School of Education and Human Services."

Kubitskey has served as associate dean of students and curriculum in the College of Education at Eastern Michigan for eight years, leading the college's efforts in faculty development, state- and university-level reporting and the coordination of resources and support staff.

In her current role, she also serves as the liaison between the college and Michigan Department of Education and the Council of Accreditation and Educator Preparation.

Kubitskey also has served as the interim department chair for leadership and counseling since 2020 and took over as acting dean of the College of Education earlier this month.

A former high school physics and math teacher who earned her undergraduate degree in chemistry from U-M, Kubitskey has carved out a career that blends her passions for education and the physical sciences. She holds a graduate degree in physics education from Eastern Michigan and returned to U-M to earn her Ph.D. in education studies, teacher education.

Kubitskey said she was honored to be taking on this new role and joining a faculty and staff devoted to supporting diverse learners in becoming social workers, educators and leaders.

"I am especially excited about continuing and building on the work with students, faculty, staff and community partners in supporting the Flint area and beyond," she said. "I look forward to continuing and expanding these partnerships as a place for service, learning and scholarship for all. Together we make a difference in children, family and community members' lives."

Kubitsky began in higher education as a physics lecturer at Eastern Michigan, eventually progressing through both academic and administrative ranks to associate professor, with tenure, in the College of Education in 2012, and associate dean in 2013.

She is actively involved in the Michigan Association of Colleges of Teacher Education and in Directors and Representatives of Teacher Education Programs in Michigan, providing leadership in connecting Michigan's public universities in responding to state policy recommendations and legislation. Kubitskey has testified before the Michigan legislature and uses her leadership role to advocate for improving post-secondary teacher education and K-12 teaching and learning.

Kubitskey also has secured nearly $8 million in grant funding throughout her career to improve educator preparation and K-12 teaching, focusing mainly on science and mathematics education.