Joshua Newman named dean of the KU School of Education & Human Sciences

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas has named Joshua Newman as the next dean of the School of Education & Human Sciences. Newman is currently the associate dean for research and Sara Lavinia de Keni Endowed Professor at Florida State University’s Anne Spencer Daves College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.  

He will begin his new role July 1.

“With his extensive success in growing FSU’s research enterprise and his academic leadership, Joshua will ensure that the school’s research and academic programs — among the best in the nation — continue to excel,” Provost Arash Mafi said. “He will be a great addition to KU and strengthen our commitment to student success, scholarship and serving our state and region.”

As dean, Newman will work to support the school’s strategic plans and priorities, including developing partnerships and collaborations that propel the school’s mission, reputation and impact forward. He will oversee the school’s annual budget; work to support faculty, staff, facilities and operations; and closely align with KU Endowment and KU Alumni to bolster fundraising and alumni engagement. 

“It is the honor of my career to join the University of Kansas and the School of Education & Human Sciences,” Newman said. “KU is one of the nation’s elite AAU universities, and the school is consistently ranked among the top 10 public schools of education in the country. But rankings only tell part of the picture. This is a place where students arrive from across Kansas, the region and around the world, change the trajectory of their own lives, and go on to transform classrooms, communities and industries at scale. It is an institution of profound impact — rooted at the heart of the country and of American education writ large. I cannot wait to partner with the faculty, staff and students who seize upon that transformative potential every day.” 

Newman will succeed Rick Ginsberg, who has served as dean since 2005 and plans to return to the faculty and focus on the Center for Reimagining Education in the coming academic year.

“I am deeply thankful for Dean Ginsberg’s leadership. Over the past 20 years he has shepherded the school’s disciplines and positioned the school for continued success during a time of immense change,” Mafi said. “I also wish to share my appreciation for the search committee and its excellent work and commitment throughout the search process.”

As associate dean for research, Newman lead the research enterprise of FSU’s College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, which included overseeing more than $84 million in annual research expenditures, supporting 150 active research faculty and staff, 36 scientific laboratories and three K-12 laboratory schools.

Under his leadership, the college and its affiliated centers and institutes increased annual research expenditure totals from $17 million to $84 million over the past five years, increased its annual external grant proposal submission count by more than 400%, and launched five major programs in research development, research administration and research amplification.

A professor of media and cultural studies in sport management, Newman previously directed both FSU’s sport management doctoral program and the Center for Sport, Health, and Equitable Development. He is a fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology and a former president of the North American Society for the Sociology of Sport. He has served as co-chair of the Council for Associate Deans for Research and on multiple presidential task forces and work groups focused on student and program success and FSU’s research impact.

Newman earned his doctorate in kinesiology from the University of Maryland. He obtained his master’s in sport and leisure commerce and his bachelor’s of education in sport and leisure studies from the University of Memphis.

“My own journey to Kansas has been an unexpected one,” Newman said. “I grew up in the mountains of Tennessee as a first-generation college student, and I know firsthand the sacrifices that students and their families make to pursue higher education — and the profound transformation it can bring when they do. That lived experience will guide my work here. I am committed to honoring and supporting students from every walk of life as they make their own journeys with us at KU.”

A nationally ranked academic unit, the KU School of Education & Human Sciences educates future teachers, administrators, counselors, psychologists and health and sport professionals.