Patriarca appointed new College of Education dean

Dr. Linda Patriarca has been named dean of the College of Education at East Carolina University.

She came to ECU from Caldwell College in New Jersey, where she was associate dean and professor, after having spent 25 years at Michigan State University. She is a nationally-known expert in special education programs.

“I am proud to join an institution that has at its very core the preparation of teachers, especially one that has amassed such a fine reputation as a leader in teacher education. The College of Education is an extraordinary assemblage of talented and dedicated individuals who are making significant contributions to education in this state and in the nation-at-large,” she said.

“The substantive connections that have been made between the College of Education and the community must not only be maintained but strengthened,” Patriarca said. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity as a new dean to work collaboratively with faculty staff, alumni and community members to enhance and construct new teaching, research and service opportunities that build upon the numerous strengths and successes this college currently enjoys.”

She earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees in speech and language pathology from Eastern Michigan University. She earned her doctorate in special education, teacher education and reading from Michigan State University.

During her career she has been active in national groups and task forces focusing on education, including serving as president of the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, and as a national professional advisory board member for the Learning Disabilities Association of America.

Patriarca added, “I look forward to serving as an ambassador for the college and sharing its plans, dream and hopes with all of its constituencies as we embark on the institution’s Second Century.”