Monmouth University has named teacher-scholar John E. Henning, Ph.D., its new dean for the School of Education. Henning will join the University community on July 1, 2015. He succeeds Mary Brennan who has served as interim dean since January 2015, following the retirement of former Dean Lynn Romeo.
“Dr. Henning is an innovative and energetic leader with more than 30 years of experience in teaching and teacher education,” said Laura J. Moriarty, Monmouth University provost and vice president for academic affairs. “His diverse background, which includes service as a public school teacher, university professor, and academic administrator, will foster a comprehensive and holistic approach to leading the School of Education.”
Henning noted that Monmouth’s understanding of the importance of the role that external partnerships play in giving students a competitive advantage is one of the things that most excites him about the opportunity. “Strong partnerships can multiply the power and effectiveness of any organization, and this is especially true for a school of education,” he said. “Fostering a network approach to professional preparation promotes great teaching, will keep the school at the forefront of innovation in teacher education, and will provide unique research opportunities for our students.”
“Dr. Henning’s proven capacity for leading transformational initiatives through partnerships with public schools, community agencies, and universities will enhance the learning experience for our students while greatly expanding their professional opportunities,” said Monmouth University President Paul R. Brown, Ph.D.
Henning comes to Monmouth from Ohio University, where he has served as professor and associate dean of academic engagement and outreach for The Patton College of Education for the past two years. Before moving into that leadership post, he spent four years as a professor and chair of the teacher education department at Ohio, where he supervised 26 faculty members in the largest department in the college.
Prior to that, Henning was at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) for 10 years, where he served as an associate professor, assistant professor and co-coordinator of professional development for the Teachers Masters Program. He joined UNI in 1999 after a 21-year teaching career at the high school level. During his time at UNI, Henning received both the College of Education Outstanding Faculty Research Award and the College of Education Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award.
Henning is the author of Using Action Research to Improve Instruction: An Interactive Guide for Teachers and The Art of Discussion-Based Teaching: Opening Up Conversation in the Classroom. Books currently in progress include Building Clinical Capacity: Tools and Strategies for Supporting Mentoring During Early Field Experiences and Designing Teacher Preparation Programs.
Henning earned both his doctorate in educational psychology and his master’s degree in vocational education from Kent State University. Henning is also a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University.