The Dean’s Legacy
Ramona Mellott: 12 Years of leadership, compassion, and community
Dear COE alumni, friends, faculty, students, and supporters,
As I write my final letter as Dean of Northern Arizona University’s College of Education, I find myself reflecting on both the accomplishments of the past twelve years and the enduring legacy of a college that has been transforming lives for more than 127 years.
Serving as dean has been one of the greatest privileges of my professional career. During this time, I have witnessed firsthand the passion, creativity, and resilience of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners. Together, we celebrated many successes and navigated significant challenges—from a global pandemic and workforce shortages to evolving student needs and changing higher education landscapes. Through it all, we remained focused on our mission of preparing outstanding educators, counselors, psychologists, and leaders who now serve communities across Arizona and beyond.
While much has been accomplished during my tenure, our story did not begin twelve years ago. The momentum we enjoy today was built by generations of leaders who believed deeply in the transformative power of education. I am grateful for the strong foundation established by the many deans who have led this college over its 127-year history, including Charles Fauset, David Williams, Jon Englehart, Melvin Hall, Dan Kain, and Gypsy Denzine. Their vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence positioned the college for continued growth and success.
Over the past decade, the College of Education has expanded its impact in remarkable ways. We launched Arizona’s first public university PsyD program, expanded behavioral and mental health programs, strengthened leadership preparation, and grew educator pipelines across the state through initiatives such as the Arizona Teachers Academy and Grow Your Own partnerships. We also welcomed First Year Seminar programs into the college, added the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, established the Department of STEM Education, and strengthened partnerships that connect research, practice, and workforce development.
Our commitment to excellence has been reflected in both innovation and outcomes. In 2025 alone, College of Education faculty secured more than $8 million in funded grants supporting research and workforce development. We achieved full accreditation across all eligible programs, opened the Early Learning and Development Center, expanded global partnerships, and strengthened initiatives serving Indigenous and diverse communities. Today, nearly one-third of our students are preparing for careers in behavioral and mental health professions.
Perhaps what makes me most proud is not any single accomplishment, but the way this community came together during both times of opportunity and times of challenge. Time and again, our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners found ways to move forward together while remaining committed to student success.
One of our most significant achievements has been expanding access and affordability for students. This year, the College of Education will award more than $600,000 in donor-supported scholarships, the largest amount in the college’s history. In addition, the Arizona Teachers Academy continues to provide substantial scholarship support to future educators across Arizona, helping address the state’s critical teacher shortage while reducing financial barriers for students.
Our national reputation has continued to rise. The U.S. News & World Report rankings placed NAU’s College of Education at #69 among graduate colleges of education nationally in 2025, a remarkable climb from #143 in 2022. This progress reflects the dedication of our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners and their unwavering commitment to excellence.
I would be remiss if I did not express my deepest gratitude to the faculty, staff, and administrators of the College of Education. Every accomplishment highlighted here is the result of your dedication, expertise, and commitment to our students and mission. It has been an honor to work alongside you.
To our alumni, friends, donors, and supporters: thank you. Your generosity, advocacy, mentorship, and partnership have transformed lives and strengthened communities. The record number of scholarships awarded this year is a direct reflection of your belief in our students and our mission. You are also our greatest ambassadors, demonstrating every day the values and impact of the College of Education across Arizona, the nation, and the world.
The College of Education is strong, innovative, and well-positioned for continued success. I am especially pleased to welcome Dr. Yojanna Cuenca-Carlino as the next Dean of the College of Education. She inherits a college with tremendous momentum and a strong foundation built by generations of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and leaders. I know she will honor that legacy while guiding the college toward new opportunities and achievements.
As I close this chapter, I do so with gratitude for the opportunity to serve this remarkable college. The momentum is strong, the future is bright, and the best chapters of the College of Education’s story are still being written.
With gratitude,
Dean, College of Education
Northern Arizona University