Dean at BHSU elected to Renaissance Group Board of Governors

Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at BHSU, Dr. Patricia Simpson, was recently elected to the Board of Governors of The Renaissance Group, a national consortium with a commitment to the preparation of America's education professionals.

Dr. Patricia Simpson, dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Black Hills State University, was elected to the board of governors of The Renaissance Group, a national consortium to prepare American education professionals.  Simpson's tenure begins immediately.

"I'm glad to serve on The Renaissance Group Board because the mission and philosophy of this consortium mirrors what we're achieving at BHSU," said Simpson.  "This venue allows BHSU to be part of national discussions and will help us continue to stay on the cutting edge of teacher preparation."

BHSU is the largest teacher education program in the state of South Dakota.  As one of more than 30 mid-to-large size university members BHSU helps to further The Renaissance Group's goals of promoting exemplary practices, partnerships and leadership that ensure high levels of teaching and learning for all of America's schools.  

A hallmark of a The Renaissance Group member is the university's commitment to the preparation of educators as an all-campus responsibility, in collaboration with local pre-kindergarten through grade 12 (P-12) school districts.   

"At BHSU, our collaboration in preparing teachers with other BHSU college departments is excellent.  Content faculty consider themselves absolute partners in preparing teachers and that's a real focus of The Renaissance Group," said Simpson.  

Simpson said teacher work samples and the co-teaching model for student teaching are two examples of The Renaissance Group's signature projects used nationwide.

Serving as Dean at BHSU since 2011, Simpson has worked in locations throughout the U.S. gaining experience with administration and curriculum in different states.  Her preparation includes elementary education, middle level education, reading, and curriculum and instruction.  In 1990, Simpson was recognized as a regional school principal of the year by her peers and honored as a state finalist for the Texas Administrator of the Year.  Simpson focuses her research and writing on school models of professional development.

For more information, contact Dr. Patricia Simpson at Patricia.Simpson@BHSU.edu or 605-642-6551.