Tracy Morris (L), Jack Watson (R) WVU Photo
During a time of transition and uncertainty, two experienced West Virginia University administrators currently serving as interim deans will be given extended appointments to continue their service to their colleges.
Tracy Morris, who has served as interim dean of the College of Education and Human Services since 2018, will serve as dean of the college for a two-year term, effective July 1. In addition to her faculty role, Morris also has held several administrative roles at WVU, including department chair, associate dean, and senior advisor in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
Jack Watson, who has served as interim dean of the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences since 2019, has been named dean of the college for a two-year term, also effective July 1. Watson has served in multiple administrative capacities in the college, including interim associate dean, acting assistant dean, department chair and as a faculty member.
“Tracy and Jack have been deans in every sense of the word since their appointment, and it is important that their position match their responsibility,” President Gordon Gee said. “I have never been a fan of the ‘interim’ moniker. If you are in a leadership role, you are leading. They, along with every other leader at this University, have the same charge: keep West Virginia University moving forward.”
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Maryanne Reed also praised both administrators for their willingness to lead during a time of transition.
“Under the leadership of Dr. Morris and Dr. Watson, both CEHS and CPASS have responded collectively and creatively to the COVID-19 crisis and other challenges they’ve faced in recent years, and we want to keep that momentum going,” Reed said. “Giving these leaders two additional years in their roles will enable them to continue their work with faculty and staff to position both colleges for the future.”
Morris joined the faculty at WVU in 1993. Prior to joining the College of Education and Human Services as interim dean, she had a distinguished record of research, teaching and service in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. In recent years, Morris has focused on leadership development, including conducting a national longitudinal investigation of the background and experiences of academic administrators, the development of protocols and feedback systems for department chairs, and the delivery of training sessions for the WVU Women’s Leadership Initiative.
“It is such a privilege to continue working with our entire team of wonderful faculty, staff and students in CEHS,” Morris said. “Our college is filled with individuals who exemplify the true spirit of a land-grant institution. I am ever impressed with their willingness to embrace change and advance new models of teaching, research and service delivery. My love of learning and desire to help people were at the very core of my decision to become a professor. What better place to keep those passions fueled than the College of Education and Human Services.”
She has been recognized for both her research and teaching while at WVU, having been named an Eberly Distinguished Professor for both Leadership Development and Outstanding Teaching, and receiving WVU’s Benedum Distinguished Scholar Award. Morris served as chair of the Department of Psychology, interim director of the School of Social Work, associate dean, and senior advisor for leadership development and special initiatives while at the Eberly College.
Watson began his academic career at the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences in 2001. He is a certified mental performance consultant with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology and a non-practicing psychologist in the state of West Virginia. Watson’s research focuses on professional issues in sport psychology, including ethics, supervision and mentoring.
“I am extremely excited to be able to continue to support CPASS and WVU within the role of dean of the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences,” Watson said. “This position gives me the opportunity to work with an amazing administrative team, world-class faculty and a caring and dedicated staff. I am very thankful to President Gee and Provost Reed for putting their faith in me to serve as a leader on campus.”
Watson has been honored for his teaching, service and research at WVU, including being named a recipient of the WVU Foundation Award for Outstanding Teaching. He also is past-president and fellow with the Association for Applied Sport Psychology and a fellow with the American Psychological Association.
-WVU-
kb/04/28/20
CONTACT: University Relations/Communications-News
304-293-6997
Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday.
Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.