Adapted from a report by University Communications
Marcelle Haddix is serving as the 10th dean of the UW–Madison School of Education, bringing with her a distinguished record of leadership and a passion for the School’s pillars of arts, health, and education.
Haddix started her term on Aug. 11. She came to UW–Madison after 16 years holding numerous leadership positions at Syracuse University. Most recently, she served as associate provost for strategic initiatives.
“Throughout my academic and professional career, I have been privileged to work and collaborate with many scholars in the UW–Madison School of Education,” Haddix says.
“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 is a homecoming of sorts for Haddix. She was born in Madison — 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 says. “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 is a leading scholar in literacy and teacher education, with a particular focus on the experiences of students and teachers of color.
Haddix describes her work as “very interdisciplinary” and believes the School of Education’s focus on education, arts, and health is aligned with her vision of what a holistic approach to education should be.
“I see so much power in the arts, health, and education — as separate entities and together,” she says. “The interconnectedness and collaboration within and across these areas is a point of distinction for the School.”
Arts, theater, and dance are also personal passions for Haddix. At Syracuse University, she oversaw university-wide arts and humanities affiliates and programs. She also facilitated literacy programs for adolescent and adult communities in Syracuse, including the award- winning Writing Our Lives project, and is a past president of the Literacy Research Association.
Haddix is also a 500-hour-trained yoga instructor, a reproductive health doula, and co-founded a wellness cooperative in the city of Syracuse, New York.
Haddix succeeds Diana Hess, who is returning to the faculty this year. Hess had served as dean since August 2015.