After consulting with the department’s faculty, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Janese Daniels as department chair in the Department of Early Childhood Education beginning July 1, 2017.  Dr. Daniels joined the Department of Early Childhood Education in 2006 as Assistant Professor. She earned tenure and promotion in 2013 when she assumed her current role as Director of Early Childhood Graduate Programs.  She holds a Ph.D. in Education-Human Development from the University of Maryland, an M.A. in Education-Instructional Systems Development from UMBC, and a B.S. in Psychology from Morgan State University. She has spent her entire career in service to public education, beginning as an elementary school teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools in 1992.  Dr. Daniels looks forward to the opportunity to continue her service to the Department of Early Childhood Education, the College of Education, and Towson University.

Dr. Ocie Watson-Thompson is completing her 10th year as department chair in the College of Education.  She will return to faculty and is looking forward to new challenges. Dr. Watson-Thompson shared the following regarding her 10 years as department chair: “I am so proud that I have been instrumental in continuing the legacy of excellence and leader in the preparation of early childhood educators. I have diligently worked to mentor and promote the leadership of a diverse faculty who are highly qualified and committed to all children, families and communities.”

Please join me in thanking Dr. Watson-Thompson and in welcoming Dr. Daniels as the new department chair in the Department of Early Childhood Education.