A&M–Central Texas Dean Named to National Fellowship for Leaders of Teacher Preparation Programs
By Karen Clos
Lorrie Webb, Ph.D., Dean of the A&M-Central Texas College of Education and Human Development, has been named an Impact Academy Fellow by the national non-profit organization Deans for Impact (DFI).
Texas A&M University–Central Texas will officially kick off the Spring 2025 term with Convocation on Thursday, Jan. 16, with special guest speaker Kimberly S. Dickman, Ed.D. Faculty and staff will gather for the bi-annual start of term at 9 a.m. in the Bill Yowell Conference Center on campus.
Dr. Dickman is a legacy alum of A&M–Central Texas, graduating from the University of Central Texas in 1998. She currently serves as an assistant professor in the biology department at the United States Air Force Academy Center for Character and Leadership Development, where she leads the Healthy Relationship Education branch of the Development Division.
A licensed clinical professional counselor and certified educator, Dr. Dickman began working in education for the Department of Defense in 1991. She has worked in the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program, focusing on education, analysis, and prevention science. Dr. Dickman is widely recognized and frequently requested to present for the DoD on a national scale.
Dr. Dickman earned a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from UCT. She also holds a Master of Arts in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado, a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Argosy University and has conducted post-doctoral studies in human sexuality and relationships at the University of Michigan. Her bachelor’s degree is in psychology with a science emphasis.
Along with the guest speaker, those attending will hear from a panel of A&M–Central Texas students as well as opening remarks, introductions, and celebrations. Classes begin the following Tuesday, Jan. 21.
Webb joins a cohort of leaders chosen for their commitment to educator preparation by building on the existing strengths of current degree programs at their respective colleges and universities. She is one of 18 leaders announced as part of the fellowship’s 10th cohort.
“It is a distinct honor to be selected as a 2025 Impact Academy Fellow with Deans for Impact,” Webb said. “I look forward to engaging with a community of dedicated leaders committed to advancing excellence and innovation in educator preparation.”
DFI Fellows lead programs that serve 11 states, both public and private universities, community colleges, residencies, and teaching fellowships – all of which are unified around strengthening existing programs and producing exceptional and prepared teachers ready to thrive in their careers.
Participants also benefit from monthly learning sessions and one-on-one coaching from seasoned educational leaders. Activities are designed to encourage strategies and best practices that thoroughly prepare new teachers as they transition from degree program completion to fieldwork to careers in the classroom.
“Educator preparation leaders play a critical role in shaping how new teachers are set up for long term success,” said Valerie Sakimura, Executive Director of DFI.
“From prioritizing instructional improvement in their programs, to supporting their teams to meet the evolving needs of schools and communities, to advocating for innovative and sustainable practices, they carry an immense responsibility in shaping the future of teaching and learning.”
In the last three years, 155 students have earned their teacher certification through the A&M-Central Texas educator preparation program, and 127 (82%) of these graduates are actively employed as teachers – which is comparable to the national average. In addition, 100% of students in the educator preparation program pass their pedagogy and professional responsibilities exam.
The Texas A&M University System has prepared highly qualified teachers for Texas schools and beyond for more than 100 years, and the 11 universities of the A&M System prepare more highly qualified educators than any system in the State.
