Patricia Buby Wachholz Patricia Buby Wachholz, whose experience as a teacher and administrator in the field of education spans nearly 30 years, has been appointed dean of the College of Education at Armstrong Atlantic State University.

Wachholz will guide all aspects of the College of Education and provide leadership for the departments of early childhood education, health and physical education, middle and secondary education, and special and adult education.

"Dr. Wachholz has established an extensive record of scholarly achievements and has been awarded more than $3.5 million in state and federal grants," said Ellen V. Whitford, AASU vice president of academic affairs and dean of faculty. "She will provide excellent leadership for the College of Education as it continues to prepare highly qualified and caring teachers."

Wachholz joins Armstrong Atlantic from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) in Fort Myers, FL, where she has served since 1999, including as associate dean and professor in the College of Education since 2005. As associate dean she collaborated in designing the Teacher Immersion Program (FGCU's state-approved alternative certification pathway) and developed course scheduling for all on-campus graduate programs and for cohort programs off-campus.

Wachholz has served as a director of the National Writing Project at FGCU since 2001, coordinating grant activities, securing outside funding, and managing grant budgets. She also served as chair for the divisions of educational studies and undergraduate studies at FGCU.

From 1995-1999, she served at Lane College in Tennessee as assistant professor, chair of the division of liberal arts and education, and as program leader for the English department. She began her education career in Jacksonville, FL, where she taught in grades 7-12 in the areas of language arts, general science, and advanced biology.

Wachholz received a doctor of education in curriculum and instruction from the University of Memphis and a master's in English education from the University of North Florida. She earned a bachelor's in English from Western Michigan University.

"I look forward to leading the College of Education as it continues to educate highly qualified academic leaders who serve our region," said Wachholz. "It is an exciting and challenging time and we will continue to provide excellent academic programs that improve education in our region and across the state."