Dean's Report 2024-2025

The Attallah College of Educational Studies is devoted to preparing the next generation of educators, scholars, and community leaders through a steadfast commitment to inclusive excellence, impactful research, and meaningful community partnerships. As we reflect on the 2024–2025 academic year, it is clear that our college continues to grow as a national model for equity-minded, research-driven professional preparation and community engagement. 

As Attallah College’s dean and having now celebrated my 20th year as a member of the Chapman family, I am deeply grateful to our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners whose dedication and collaboration make all of what we achieve, together, possible. The work we do at Attallah College is more than a mission—it is a promise to empower students today, support educators tomorrow, and create impact that lasts forever. 

With appreciation and Panther Pride, 

Roxanne Greitz Miller, Ed.D.
Dean, Attallah College of Educational Studies
Donna Ford Attallah Professor of Teacher Education
Chapman University

Attallah College introduced two new teacher preparation certificate options in Elementary Education and Special Education to meet the growing demand for credentialed teachers. These certificates allow Liberal Studies undergraduates to complete teacher credential coursework, including student teaching, while earning their bachelor’s degree. Graduates can enter the workforce as fully credentialed teachers upon graduation and pursue advanced degrees while working “full-time.”

In 2024–2025, Attallah College students received $1.5M in combined funding from Golden State Teacher Grants, Chapman institutional aid, and donor contributions. This financial support provided critical fellowship assistance to students enrolled in the college’s teacher education, school counseling, and school psychology programs, helping to reduce financial barriers and advance their professional preparation.

Assistant Professor Andrew Matschiner’s article, “A National Analysis of P-12 Equity Director Role Establishment,” was published in the American Educational Research Journal. His study documents the rapid expansion of district equity director positions between 2018 and 2022, drawing on interviews and surveys with more than 70 leaders across nearly 30 states to explore the local factors driving the creation of these roles.

Assistant Professor Stephany Cuevas of the Attallah College of Educational Studies is researching how parents, siblings and extended family support Latinx first-generation undergraduate students. This work is part of Cuevas’ long-standing research agenda focused on improving outcomes for Latinx students in higher education.

Associate Professor of School Psychology Anna Abdou and Instructional Assistant Professor of School Counseling Randee Kirkemo received the 2025 Community Partner Award from Groundswell at its Wave of Hope Gala. The award honored their long-standing collaboration with Groundswell’s Restorative Schools team to train future school counselors and psychologists in restorative justice practices that promote healing and belonging in K-12 settings. Through this partnership, Attallah College launched a specialized restorative justice certification program, which by its third year had prepared nearly 50 school counseling and school psychology graduate students. The program provided advanced fieldwork, mentorship, and community-building experiences to equip these future practitioners as restorative leaders in schools.

Following her fellowship with Deans for Impact’s Impact Academy, Dean Roxanne Greitz Miller implemented targeted strategies to enhance Chapman’s teacher preparation programs. Focusing on the California Teacher Performance Assessments (CalTPAs), she led data-informed interventions, faculty development, and student preparation efforts to better align coursework with assessment expectations. These adaptive solutions fostered a supportive growth environment for teacher candidates navigating the rigorous state requirements. As a result, Chapman’s teacher candidates achieved a 100% pass rate on the CalTPAs during the 2024–25 academic year. Dean Miller’s work reflects Attallah College’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and student success in educator preparation.

Instructional Associate Professor of Education Jillian Wood was appointed Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Attallah College in August 2024, while continuing to serve as Director of Undergraduate Education. A Chapman Ph.D. alumna, Wood’s research focuses on equity-driven organizations, adult learning theory, and inclusive learning environments. Her extensive higher education experience includes faculty and administrative roles at Chapman and California State University, Fullerton.