College of Education selects Dr. Don Maness as its new dean

June 4, 2009 -- Following a national and highly competitive search, Arkansas State University-Jonesboro announces the hiring of a new dean for the College of Education. Dr. Don Maness, currently the associate dean of the College of Education, will move into the dean’s position Aug. 16. He replaces Dr. John Beineke, who has decided to return to full-time teaching in the Department of Educational Leadership, Curriculum, and Special Education, following more than ten years of distinguished leadership as dean of the College of Education. 

The announcement was made by Dr. Daniel Howard, vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and Research.

“Dr. Maness has served Arkansas State University in an exemplary manner, and we are pleased that he will be assuming this new role as dean of our largest college,” said Dr. Howard. “Don is not only a fine administrator, but an individual of high moral and ethical character with the ability and commitment to move the College of Education to even higher levels of prominence.”

Dr. Maness previously served as professor of American History and Political Sciences at Bartlesville Wesleyan College in Oklahoma from 1973 to 2001. He was promoted to vice president for Academic Affairs at Oklahoma Wesleyan University in 1987. In 2001, Dr. Maness joined Arkansas State University as associate dean of the College of Education and served as special assistant to the vice chancellor for Research and Academic Affairs in 2005-06.

While serving as associate dean at ASUJ, Dr. Maness provided leadership and oversight for the College of Education budgets and grant activities, served as the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) coordinator, coordinated activities of the Council of Professional Education, and coordinated assessment activities for the Professional Education Unit.

Dr. Maness completed his Ed.D. at Oklahoma State University with a double major in Higher Education Administration and Educational Administration. He earned his M.A. in American History with a minor in Political Science from Michigan State University.  Dr. Maness has presented numerous conference papers and presentations to learned forums, and he remains active in a variety of professional and creative endeavors.

One of Dr. Maness’s current projects includes the release of a book, "Do They Miss Me at Home, Do They Miss Me? Letters from William McKnight, 7^th Ohio Volunteer Cavalry: The River Regiment," in early 2010. The book will be published by Ohio University press and was co-edited with Dr. Jason Combs.

Maness said, “I look forward to assuming the deanship in the College of Education and working with a talented group of College of Education faculty and staff members. The College of Education has much to offer the region we serve, and we want to be active partners with all of our stakeholders.”

Dr. Maness and his wife Connie have three children and nine grandchildren.

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