The University of Kentucky reappointed Danelle Stevens-Watkins as acting dean of the College of Education beginning Jan. 1, 2025. 

By serving as acting dean, the position is a temporary replacement for a time-limited period. 

Stevens-Watkins is a professor in the UK Department of Educational, School and Counseling Psychology and the associate vice president for research in equity according to the Office of the Provost website. 

Stevens-Watkins has served as acting dean of the College of Education since Jan. 2023.

According to Robert DiPaola, provost and co-executive vice president for health affairs at the University of Kentucky, she led the College of Education through milestones — including its 100th anniversary.

The college also launched new programs and certificates, including the bachelor of arts degrees in sport leadership and an undergraduate certificate in esport athlete performance and management.

The search for the new dean of the College of Education is still ongoing and proceeding as scheduled, according to DiPaola. The role as acting dean will be served for one year or until a new dean is chosen by the search advisory committee. 

The search advisory committee has a goal of having a new dean appointed by July 1, 2025, according to DiPaola.