A-State Appoints Interim Deans for COEBS and the Graduate School

JONESBORO – Interim deans for the College of Education and Behavioral Science (COEBS) and the Graduate School have been appointed at Arkansas State University, effective July 1, announced Dr. Calvin White Jr., executive vice chancellor and provost.

Dr. Annette Hux will become interim dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Science (COEBS).

Her appointment comes after Dr. Mary Jane Bradley, who has served as dean since 2016, retires.

White said, "Since 2022, Dr. Hux has demonstrated a track record of leadership as chair of Educational Leadership, Curriculum, and Special Education." "I appreciate her taking on the role of interim dean during this transition. We will conduct a national search for the dean position during the upcoming academic year; internal candidates will be welcome to apply."

Hux said, "I am deeply honored to take on the role of interim dean. I am committed to maintaining standards of academic excellence, fostering a supportive atmosphere for faculty, and advancing our innovative efforts. Together, we will be determined to navigate this transition, ensuring the continued success of our college."

Hux joined A-State in 2009 as an adjunct professor before becoming a full-time faculty member in 2011. Prior to her current position, she served as assistant dean for 11 years.

She holds certifications as a K-12 director and special education administrator, K-8 principal, elementary education 1-8, and K-9 mental disabilities, behavioral disorders, and learning disabilities.

With a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Southwest Baptist University, she went on to complete a master's degree in elementary administration with a certification in special education management at Southeast Missouri State University. Hux earned her doctorate in educational leadership and higher education at Saint Louis University.

Taking on leadership of the Graduate School, Dr. Brad Rawlins will serve as interim dean.

White said, "Dr. Rawlins has served A-State in several administrative roles and currently serves as interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Communication. A national search for the dean position will begin this fall."

"I am honored to serve as interim dean until a permanent dean is selected for the Graduate School. Graduate education is vital to A-State's mission, especially given its success as a research institution," Rawlins said.

Rawlins joined A-State in 2012 as dean of the College of Communication. During his time at the university, he also served as academic director of Campus Querétaro and interim director of the School of Media and Journalism.

"Our graduate programs serve thousands of students from Arkansas and beyond, including many international students who come to A-State in search of the state's quality graduate programs. I look forward to continuing the Graduate School's momentum during my time in this role."

Before coming to A-State, he spent 12 years at Brigham Young University (BYU) as chair of the Department of Communications. Prior to his time at BYU, Rawlins taught at James Madison University for eight years.

Rawlins holds two bachelor's degrees from Washington State University, one in communications and the other in foreign languages and literature. He earned his master's degree in advertising and public relations and his doctorate in mass communication from the University of Alabama.