John E. Readence has been named dean of UNLV's College of Education following a nationwide search, according to UNLV President Carol C. Harter.

Readence, a member of the education faculty at UNLV since 1993, replaced former Dean Dale Andersen in May 1996 to serve for one year while a search was conducted to fill the position permanently.

Readence has also served as associate dean for academic affairs and graduate studies in the College of Education, Louisiana State University; coordinator for advanced graduate studies in UNLV's department of instructional and curricular studies; chair of the language and literacy interest group at UNLV; and head of the department of pedagogical studies at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, among other administrative positions.

"In a county that has one of the largest school districts in the nation, UNLV's College of Education looms large as the primary source for teacher education and important collaborations with the Clark County School District," Harter said. "We are confident that John Readence will continue to provide the leadership that will enable the college to serve the need for teacher education in Southern Nevada while it nurtures the highest quality university programs and faculty."

"Dr. Readence is a recognized scholar in the fields of reading education and literacy and has published extensively in the those areas," noted Provost Douglas Ferraro, adding that Readence has served as editor of a number of professional journals on reading education and is currently editor of "Reading Research Quarterly."

Readence received the Ph.D. in reading education from Arizona State University in 1975, a master of arts degree in guidance and counseling from Ohio State University in 1971, and a bachelor of arts degree in social studies education from Cleveland State University in 1969.

The appointment will become effective May 1.