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Inside Iowa State
Mar. 06, 1998

New education dean arrives July 1

by Steve Sullivan

Walter Gmelch, interim dean of the College of Education at Washington State University, Pullman, will become dean of the ISU College of Education July 1.

"Walter Gmelch's appointment as dean of the College of Education is great news for Iowa State University," said President Martin Jischke. "He brings an outstanding record of accomplishment in teacher education, research and educational leadership to the college."

Gmelch was named interim dean of the College of Education at Washington State last August. He has been a faculty member at the university for 17 years, serving as director of teacher education and certification, director of administrative programs for the college, and twice serving in associate dean appointments. He has chaired two departments, educational administration and supervision, and educational leadership and counseling psychology; and served as interim chair of a third, kinesiology and leisure studies.

Gmelch also was president of G.T.S. Airfreight, San Francisco, for two years.

"Walter Gmelch has significant expertise in many of the College of Education's strengths, including teacher education, educational leadership and health and human performance," said Provost John Kozak. "His experience in the private sector also will be an asset."

Gmelch received a B.A. in political science in 1969 from Stanford University, California; an M.B.A. in 1971 from the University of California, Berkeley; and a Ph.D. from the Educational Executive Program in 1975 at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

Former education dean Norene Daly stepped down in July 1996. Camilla Benbow, professor of psychology, is serving as interim dean.

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