New dean for SSU School of Education

Carlos Ayala has been named interim dean of Sonoma State University's School of Education, the school announced Thursday.

Ayala, who joined SSU in 2002, takes the place of Mary Gendernalik-Cooper, who left to head the College of Education at the University of Mary Washington, in Fredericksburg, Va.

Ayala is currently associate professor of curriculum studies and secondary education. He is also director of assessment and accreditation. And he supervises the school's science mathematics teacher recruitment program, which has a goal of doubling the number of credentials in those subject areas.

"Coupled with the highest regard educators throughout our community have for Dr. Ayala, he is distinctly suited to lead the School of Education," SSU President Ruben Armi?na said in a statement.

There are 625 students in the education school's various programs.

Ayala received his doctorate from Stanford University and earlier degrees from San Diego State University and UC Santa Cruz.

— Jeremy Hay