The University has tapped one of its own exemplary graduates, Dr. Kimberly LaPrade, to the position of Dean of the College of Education.
“Dr. LaPrade brings tremendous value to the College of Education, from her insights gained over years in the classroom and serving as department chair in a high-needs school district,” said Grand Canyon University Provost Cheri St. Arnauld. “As a graduate of this institution and associate dean, she has already proven her ability to engage and enhance the learning environment for our students.”
LaPrade has served as associate dean in GCU’s College of Doctoral Studies most recently, and prior to this was associate dean and assistant dean in the College of Education. In these roles she oversaw program chairs and full-time faculty, and served as a liaison to community colleges and local bodies of higher education, as well as assisted with GCU’s rigorous state and national accrediting process. She is a frequent presenter at local and national education conferences, speaking recently on the subject of virtual learning environments, and this month an article that she authored on removing instructional barriers will appear in the peer-reviewed national journal Education.
“I’m eager to bring my teaching and leadership experience, as well as my 25-year passion for GCU as an alum, faculty member and administrator to this role,” LaPrade said.
Before returning to GCU as a faculty member, LaPrade was a teacher and English department chair with the Phoenix Union High School District, where she mentored new teachers and facilitated professional development during the course of her 15-year tenure. The 25,000-plus district enrollment is primarily Hispanic, in demographically low-income areas of the city.
