Former Denver Public Schools (DPS) Superintendent Jerry Wartgow will serve as interim dean of DU’s Morgridge College of Education while the search continues for a new dean, Chancellor Robert Coombe and Provost Gregg Kvistad announced Aug. 19. Wartgow will start on Sept. 3.
Former Dean Ginger Maloney left the position this summer after seven years. She will remain with the college as director of a new literacy program, which will begin this fall.
“The Morgridge College is one of the few named education schools in the country, and soon we will break ground on its new building,” says Kvistad. “It’s important we have strong leadership during this crucial time and that we do not rush the national search currently under way. We are grateful that Jerry has agreed to lead the college while we search for a new dean.”
The college recently completed a $35 million fundraising campaign, which includes construction costs associated with the new building, three endowed faculty positions and the creation of new institutes and scholarships.
Wartgow was an educator for 40 years, including four years as head of DPS. He left that position in 2005. Wartgow graduated from DU in 1972 with a PhD in education.
The search committee, which includes Wartgow, will continue its work to find a new dean for the college. Until Sept. 3, Associate Dean Cheryl Lovell will serve as acting interim dean.
[Editor’s note: This story was updated on Aug. 19, 2008.]