Madison Reporter

Marcelle Haddix will begin her role as the next dean of the School of Education at UW–Madison on Aug. 11, 2024. Haddix has been chosen for this position after holding numerous leadership roles during her 16 years at Syracuse University, where she currently serves as associate provost for strategic initiatives. She also led for two terms as chair of the Reading and Language Arts department in Syracuse's School of Education.

“Throughout my academic and professional career, I have been privileged to work and collaborate with many scholars in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin­–Madison,” said Haddix. “I know well the tradition of excellence and innovation that consistently positions the School of Education as one of the highest ranked in the nation and am excited by the academic strategic priorities that will further advance and sustain its commitment toward leading with excellence.”

The move to UW–Madison represents a homecoming for Haddix: She was born in Madison, where her parents met as students at UW–Madison, and she grew up in Milwaukee.

“I come from a family of Black woman educators who are beacons of fundamental change in their communities,” Haddix said. “While I appreciate the life and career I have built on the east coast, I look forward to this opportunity that connects me to the work being done in the place that I consider home.”

Haddix earned her doctorate in education from Boston College, a master’s degree in adult education from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, and a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. She is recognized as a leading scholar in literacy and teacher education, focusing particularly on the experiences of students and teachers of color.

“I see so much power in the arts, health and education — as separate entities and together. The interconnectedness and collaboration within and across these areas is a point of distinction for the school,” she said. “I am excited to lead in a way where we engage with these areas innovatively to address pressing issues in education.”

Haddix also has personal interests that align with her professional focus; she is a trained yoga instructor, reproductive health doula, co-founder of a wellness cooperative, and an advocate for arts integration within educational settings.

At Syracuse University, Haddix has overseen university-wide arts and humanities affiliates and programs. She facilitated literacy programs for adolescent and adult communities including Writing Our Lives project. Additionally, she served as president of the Literacy Research Association.

As dean at UW–Madison's School of Education, Haddix will assume responsibilities including staffing, budget management, curriculum development, student academic affairs oversight, physical space management along with fundraising efforts.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Haddix to UW–Madison,” stated Provost Charles Isbell. “Her passion for education is evident through her history of mentoring generations of students. Her record includes exemplary scholarship in literacy research alongside strong commitments toward community engagement, social justice equity inclusion.”

Haddix will begin her tenure on Aug. 11 with a faculty appointment within UW–Madison's Department of Curriculum & Instruction.

The School of Education has maintained its status among top educational institutions nationally; it was recently recognized as No.1 by U.S News & World Report Best Education Graduate Schools rankings (2024).

Haddix succeeds Diana Hess who announced plans last October returning faculty after serving since 2015 chairing search committee led by Carolyn Kelley professor educational leadership policy analysis school.