Office of the Dean
Dean’s Message
Concurrent with a strong foundation, we are in a transformational time in public higher education in general—one that demands more interdisciplinary collaboration, more institutional nimbleness, stronger external partnerships, and more attention to the core mission to improve access among underrepresented populations of students.
The College of Education is in a unique position to answer this call to action.
Together, we will continue to build on the college’s strengths, developing and disseminating evidence-based practices that make a real difference for children, schools, and communities. The strong binds that connect the college to diverse communities of practice will continue to be honored and nurtured, and they will serve as a bridge to developing a diverse workforce of educators and health professionals who will teach and lead in ways that promote equity and social justice.
As someone who was a first-generation college student, I have a deeply held belief in the transformative power of education. I feel a sense of urgency to address the longstanding opportunity gaps and education and health disparities that persistently affect our most vulnerable students, families, and communities. I can think of no better venue to move this sense of urgency into bold action than the College of Education at the University of Texas at Austin.
The college is in a position of national prominence and is poised to advance its standing as a world leader in addressing the increasingly multifaceted challenges in education and health by harnessing individual and community assets, and bridging research and practice. I am excited to be part of it.
CHARLES R. MARTINEZ, JR., Dean
The University of Texas at Austin | College of Education
Dean’s Administrative Team
Sonja Runberg, Operations Coordinator
Phone: (512) 232-5996
Email: sonja.runberg@austin.utexas.edu
Claire Bush, Executive Assistant to the Dean
Phone: (512) 471-5986
Email: cbush@austin.utexas.edu
Karen Pfeiffer, Senior Administrative Associate
Phone: (512) 475-8876
Email: kpfeiffer@austin.utexas.edu
Brandy Whitten, Senior Administrative Associate
Email: b.whitten@austin.utexas.edu
Organization Chart
Thanks to the dedication and hard work of the College of Education’s administrative units, leadership team, department chairs and faculty and staff members, the college provides a first-class experience to all who engage with the work of the college. To learn more about the organizational structure of the College of Education, please see the organizational chart.
Dean’s Initiative
Since beginning his tenure as dean in January 2019, Dean Martinez has implemented special initiatives to address and find unique solutions to today’s most pressing challenges facing educators and health practitioners.
Reimagine Education
Aligning with the College of Education’s strengths, our signature impact areas represent the college’s major goals and help determine how we will align our resources to reach our vision. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, we work to help eliminate inequities and improve the quality of our education system in how we serve students and families.
Service to the State
As a nationally ranked college of education at the state’s flagship institution, we are committed to leveraging the scale and reach of the university and all its resources and strengths to positively impact educational outcomes in Texas. The College of Education is committed to supporting programs, initiatives and projects that encourage the success and well-being of children, families, educators, schools and communities across the state.
New Spaces: Updating and Creating New Learning Environments
The College of Education is located in the George I. Sánchez and L. Theo Bellmont facilities. To support the college’s bold new vision to reimagine education and reflect the fresh ideas and impact of the college, renovations have been made in both facilities—with the Sánchez Building undergoing the most extensive renovations. Made possible in partnership with generous donors and the Provost’s Office, the renovations will inspire all who enter the buildings for years to come.
