SHU Appoints College of Education & Human Development Dean

Mel Horton, interim dean since October, will focus on excellence in teaching, research, service

Sacred Heart University has named Mel Horton the new Farrington College of Education & Human Development (FCEHD) dean. Interim dean for the past four months and associate dean prior to that, she is uniquely equipped to oversee the college’s overall operation and identify new opportunities for growth.

“Mel has served as the FCEHD interim dean since October, stepping seamlessly into the role and continuing to build relationships with constituencies across campus and in the community,” said Robin Cautin, provost. “Her leadership has been pivotal in maintaining the college’s trajectory of success. She is present in our community and can often be found at athletic events cheering on the Pioneers.”

Horton earned her Doctor of Education in adapted physical education with minors in research and technology from the University of Virginia. Prior to joining Sacred Heart in 2018, she was associate dean of the School of Education and Professional Studies at Central Connecticut State University. Her research interests are in accreditation and assessment, particularly teacher performance assessment.

In a question-and-answer interview, Horton discussed the FCEHD’s strengths and shared her goals for the college.

What sets SHU’s College of Education & Human Development apart from other institutions?

Our faculty and staff within the FCEHD differentiate us from other universities. From the outset, SHU leadership envisioned a path forward and strategically assembled a team that shared the vision and possessed the expertise to make it a reality. As a result, our program offerings have flourished, providing prospective students with an array of master’s and doctoral programs across our three departments. This intentional approach ensures that students have a multitude of opportunities to pursue their academic and professional goals within the FCEHD community.

How does your role as dean differ from your position as associate dean? What about this change excites you?

Transitioning from the associate dean to the dean’s role is both exciting and challenging. I look forward to the opportunity to take on new leadership responsibilities. Unlike the associate dean position, as dean, I must adapt to a higher level of accountability, such as overseeing the college’s overall operation, including strategic planning, budget management and external relations. Of these, strategic planning will be something to tackle early on. We will identify new opportunities for growth, enhance academic programs and address challenges the college faces.

I look forward to providing leadership for the college by working with faculty and staff to determine a clear direction forward that fosters innovation and promotes excellence in teaching, research and service. I also am eager to collaborate with the other deans as we work to support the provost’s initiatives.

What are your goals for the FCEHD?

One of my goals is to work with faculty and staff to develop and implement a strategic plan that aligns with SHU’s mission and goals, identifying priorities and strategies for advancing the college’s academic programs, research initiatives and community engagement efforts.

Other goals are to support faculty development and innovation in teaching and learning, and to ensure programs are responsive to emerging trends and best practices in education, educational leadership and human development.

I will prioritize student success by providing high-quality advising, academic support services and experiential learning opportunities while fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment that promotes student engagement and retention.

I will also support assessment processes to evaluate the effectiveness of programs, policies and practices. I will rely on data to identify areas for improvement and implement evidence-based strategies to enhance the quality and impact of the college’s programs.

Students in the FCEHD build relationships with and learn from Bridgeport and Fairfield educators. Why is this collaboration important?

Bridgeport and Fairfield represent diverse communities with their own unique challenges, cultures and dynamics. By engaging with educators, students and families in these communities, our students gain a deeper understanding of the social, economic and cultural factors that influence educational outcomes. Engaging in real-world settings enables our students to gain hands-on experience, learn from the successes and challenges of practicing educators and develop skills that are essential for effective teaching and leadership.