Robert Q. Berry III has been appointed dean of the Indiana University Bloomington School of Education, effective April 1, 2025. Berry will join IU from the University of Arizona, where he is currently the dean and Paul L. Lindsey and Kathy J. Alexander chair in the College of Education. He succeeds Anastasia “Stacy” Morrone, who has served as dean since July 2021.  

“Robert joins the School of Education at a pivotal moment of growth and transformation,” IU President Pamela Whitten said. “His leadership will be instrumental in advancing the school’s longstanding commitment to preparing skilled teachers, researchers and leaders who make a lasting impact on the education field. We are confident that the School of Education will continue to expand its influence not only in Indiana but also on the global stage, strengthening IU’s role in shaping tomorrow’s teachers.”

As dean, Berry will provide strategic leadership, oversee academic and research programs and manage faculty, staff and resources. He will also play a pivotal role in advancing the school’s strategic priorities, which include enhancing research excellence, promoting diversity and inclusion and expanding global engagement. Berry’s leadership will also focus on strengthening the school’s partnerships with local and international communities, increasing opportunities for students and faculty and further elevating the school’s reputation in the field of education.

“We are thrilled to welcome Robert as the new dean of the School of Education. His commitment to academic excellence will help advance our IU 2030 strategic priorities,” said Rahul Shrivastav, IU Bloomington provost and executive vice president. “Under his guidance, the school will build on its strong foundation to further enhance student success, drive transformative research and strengthen our service to the state and beyond. We look forward to the continued growth and new opportunities that Robert’s leadership will bring to IUB.”

Berry brings a wealth of experience in academic and administrative leadership to the role. He has held numerous leadership positions, including dean of the College of Education at the University of Arizona since 2022, where he manages a large and diverse team. Throughout his tenure, Berry has achieved significant milestones in leadership, including supporting the creation of the Center for Educational Assessment, Research and Evaluation (CEARE), further advancing the college's research and evaluation efforts. He also supported the Borderlands Education Center’s work, establishing new partnerships across the university and with institutions in Mexico. Further initiatives under his leadership at the University of Arizona include a dual-degree program in special education with Kozybayev University in Northern Kazakhstan, starting a Holmes Scholars Program to support graduate students from underrepresented populations, and the launch of Inquiry Oasis, a podcast series highlighting faculty research and activities in Arizona’s College of Education.

“I am deeply honored to be named the dean of the Indiana University Bloomington School of Education. This is a remarkable opportunity to lead a community of educators, scholars and students committed to improving education worldwide,” said Berry. “I look forward to collaborating with such a talented and diverse group of scholars, practitioners and students to advance the school’s goals, deepen its global connections and continue making a lasting impact on education at all levels.”

Berry has previously served as the inaugural associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion at the University of Virginia, where he launched the Office of DEI and led strategic efforts to promote inclusivity across the School of Education and Human Development. As president of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, he expanded advocacy efforts and led initiatives that advanced equity in mathematics education. His academic career also includes faculty roles at several prestigious institutions, focusing on mathematics education and research.

Additionally, Berry is a member of the National Academy of Education, consisting of members elected based on their scholarship in education. He has authored and co -edited eight books, written over 100 refereed publications and chapters, and delivered over 300 academic presentations, keynote talks and distinguished lectures globally. His research has been published in leading academic journals, including the Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, Journal of Teacher Education and the American Educational Research Journal.

Berry has earned recognition for his work, including the Benjamin Banneker Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Mathematics Education, two National Council of Teachers of Mathematics’ Linking Research and Practice Publication Awards, the University of Virginia’s All-University Teaching Award in 2011, and the Virginia Council of Mathematics Specialist named its yearly mathematics equity award the “Robert Q. Berry III Equity Award.” A first-generation college graduate, he earned a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, along with degrees from Christopher Newport University and Old Dominion University.

The IUB School of Education, founded in 1908, is home to more than 1,000 graduate students and over 1,000 undergraduate students. It offers a diverse range of programs across four academic departments: Applied Psychology in Education and Research Methodology; Curriculum and Instruction; Educational Leadership and Policy Studies; and Learning, Design and Adult Education. The school is renowned for its excellence in research, educational leadership and teacher preparation.