Alumnus Perry Schoon ’89, Ph.D. 97, has joined Illinois State as dean of the College of Education. He replaces Deborah Curtis, now provost at the University of Central Missouri.

Schoon came to ISU from Western Carolina University, where he was dean of the College of Education and Allied Professions. Under his guidance, the college’s academic programs and funding grew. He collaborated with several Western Carolina colleges to develop dual degrees in undergraduate secondary teacher education programs.

A senior associate dean and an associate dean for assessment and technology in the College of Education at the University of Texas at Arlington, Schoon also held posts in Florida Atlantic University’s College of Education.

Schoon has helped develop software for assessment and data management, and has been honored at his former universities for teaching and research.