UTEP has named Cyndi Giorgis, Ph. D, as the new dean of the College of Education, taking the position from Steve Riter, Ph.D., who served as interim dean since August 2013. Giorgis previously worked at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas as executive associate dean for academic and administrative affairs. She received her doctoral degree in language, reading and culture and her masters in library sciences from the University of Arizona. She also has a bachelors in elementary education from Chadron State College in Nebraska.

Giorgis started off as an elementary school teacher in her hometown of Rock Springs, Wyoming. She served as a school librarian, coordinator and director of library enhancement programs in the Tucson Unified School District. Giorgis is also a published author of academic books and journal articles and an award-winning educator, in-demand speaker and grant funded researcher. Her most recent U.S. Department of Education-funded grants is one that involves children’s literature, math and science.

“It is an honor to have been selected to serve as UTEP’s dean of the College of Education,” Giorgis said in an interview with University Communications. “Everyone I encountered during the interview process and since I arrived on campus has been welcoming and gracious. I am excited to be a Miner and to be a part of the thriving campus community.”

Cheryl B. Torsney, Ph.D., senior vice provost and member of the selection committee, said in an interview with University Communications that “her academic background, range of experience, ability to cross disciplines, and down-to-earth approach to education made her a desirable candidate to fill the position.”

“She had the experience we were looking for and the experience that we needed for the College of Education, which is so important to the University and the region,” Torsney said. “We anticipate that Dean Giorgis will contribute in new and exciting ways to UTEP’s mission of access and excellence. We look forward to working with her.”

Jose Soto may be reached at [email protected].