Auburn University, August 20, 2001

Frances Kochan, director of an Auburn institute devoted to building partnerships between AU and public schools systems, has been named interim dean of the AU College of Education, effective August 1, 2001.

Kochan, who is a professor of educational leadership and director of the College of Education's Truman Pierce Institute for the Advancement of Teacher Education, had also served since March, 2001 as associate dean for administration and research in the College. She succeeds Richard Kunkel, who left the AU deanship for June 1 for a similar position at Florida State University.

"Dr. Kochan has earned a reputation as a innovative and excellent teacher, researcher and administrator in both K-12 and higher education," said interim Provost John Pritchett. "She is a valued faculty member and administrator for the College of Education and Auburn University."

As director of the Truman Pierce Institute since 1997, Kochan established and coordinated partnerships for teacher training and curriculum improvement between the College of Education and public school systems throughout Alabama. Among the most notable projects are partnerships involving communities, schools and private sponsors to improve education opportunities in several rural West Alabama counties.

* published AU Report  August 20, 2001