OSU-Cascade names Health-Wellness dean
Oregon State University – Cascades has a new associate dean on board to lead the academic programs in its Human Health and Wellness division. Julie Gess-Newsome, a professor of science education, was most recently dean of the Graduate School of Education at Willamette University in Salem.
Gess-Newsome has devoted her academic career to the preparation and support of teachers and received recognition from the National Association of Science Teachers, the Association for Science Teacher Education, and the American Education Research Association for her work.
Her work has attracted more than $14 million in state and federal research and education grants. With support from the National Science Foundation, Gess-Newsome is leading an international research effort to better define and improve science teacher knowledge and classroom practice.
The Human Health and Wellness division at OSU-Cascades includes graduate programs in teaching and counseling, graduate certificate courses in public health, and undergraduate programs in human development and family science, and exercise and sports science.
“Julie Gess-Newsome has demonstrated a passion for science education and people, and an ability to develop opportunities for students, researchers and teaching faculty throughout her career,” said Becky Johnson, Vice President of OSU-Cascades. “We’re looking forward to adding her expertise to our team.”
Prior to her tenure at Willamette, Gess-Newsome served as the J. Lawrence Walkup Distinguished Professor of Science Education at Northern Arizona University’s Center for Science Teaching and Learning for more than a decade.
She is a member of the board of the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study and a past president of the Association for Science Teacher Education.
Newsome, who will begin her duties on August 2, will oversee the Human Health and Wellness division as it expands its degree offerings, increases enrollment, and builds a regional reputation for the work of its faculty, students and graduates.
