Southern Miss Names Blackwell Dean of Education and Psychology

The University of Southern Mississippi has named Dr. Ann Parker Blackwell dean of its College of Education and Psychology, the position in which she served on an interim basis since 2009.

She will assume the position July 1, pending approval by the Mississippi Board of Trustees of the State Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL).

Blackwell joined the Southern Miss faculty in 1991. She is a professor and former chair in the Department of Child and Family Studies, and has also served the university through membership and as a leader in its Faculty Senate; Academic Council; Professional Education Council; Strategic Planning Committee; NCATE Oversight Committee; and Graduate Council.

“Dr. Blackwell is a superb educator and has proven to be an excellent administrator as interim dean,” said Southern Miss Provost Bob Lyman. “I believe her skills at interacting with both students and faculty provide the necessary leadership to guide the college for many years to come.”

Blackwell has earned multiple honors in her career at the university, including the 2001 University of Southern Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Award; the 2005 Aubrey Keith Lucas and Ella Ginn Lucas Endowment for Faculty Excellence Award; and the 2007 Aubrey Keith Lucas and Ella Ginn Lucas University Excellence in Service Award.

“It is an honor and a privilege to serve as dean of the college,” Blackwell said. "I look forward to working with my colleagues as we continue to focus on providing quality academic programs for our students.”

Blackwell has secured more than $1.5 million in external funding to support parent education and teacher preparation programs, and has more than 60 refereed publications and presentations at the state, national and international levels.