TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Dr. John P. Dolly, dean of the College of Education, will be stepping down from his administrative appointment effective July 1. He will take administrative leave for one year before returning to full time teaching and research in August 2004, according to interim provost, Dr. Judy Bonner.

Dolly said he requested the change because he wanted to pursue his research and teaching for a few years before he retires. “I have enjoyed the opportunity to serve this great University in a leadership position for the past eight years,” Dolly said.

Dolly joined the UA College of Education as dean and professor of educational psychology in 1995. Under his leadership, the College has strengthened its undergraduate programs by significantly increasing both the entry and exit requirements in all its programs, revising the curricula, and improving processes and procedures for working with students. In addition, more stringent admission criteria have been implemented for graduate programs.

Dolly also successfully guided the College through its 1996 and 2002 re-accreditation site visits by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Alabama State Department of Education.

Dolly’s research interests include professional development schools, educational renewal and developing the professoriate. Prior to joining UA, he served as dean of the colleges of education at the universities of Hawaii and Wyoming.

Bonner said she values the contributions Dolly has made to the institution. “Dean Dolly has led the College of Education during a period of great change nationally in the way we prepare teachers for our K-12 classrooms. We are grateful for his leadership and service,” she said.

Dolly will use the administrative leave period to prepare for the transition back to teaching and to update his scholarly work in his research areas of interest.