TAMPA, Fla. – The University of South Florida announced today the appointment of Robert C. Knoeppel, PhD, as the new dean for the College of Education. In his new position, Knoeppel will play a key role in shaping a distinctive vision for the future of the college that maintains alignment with USF’s strategic priorities. An experienced higher education leader and nationally recognized researcher, Knoeppel will join USF in May.
Knoeppel comes to USF from Clemson University, where he is a professor and chair of the Department of Educational and Organizational Leadership Development. Knoeppel’s work has been regularly published in the Journal of Education Finance andEducational Considerations, and he has authored over 100 refereed journal publications, book chapters, technical reports and conference papers in the field of education finance, education reform and educational leadership over the course of his career.
“USF is pleased to welcome Dr. Knoeppel, an accomplished researcher and transformational leader, who will bring forward-thinking, community-building practices to the College of Education,” USF Provost and Executive Vice President Ralph Wilcox said. “Dr. Knoeppel is a dedicated scholar and practitioner who understands the importance in meeting the needs of the preK-12 and post-secondary education communities.”
Prior to his tenure at Clemson, Knoeppel held an academic appointment at the University of Kentucky, where he led courses in educational leadership studies. He also worked for several years in the Virginia public school system as a school counselor, administrator and coach. Knoeppel serves as a member of the board of trustees of the National Education Finance Academy where he earned the Scholarly Paper of the Year Award for three consecutive years.
“At the University of South Florida, I have found an environment in which I can both give and grow,” Knoeppel said. “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to work with the accomplished faculty and staff in the College of Education, throughout the University of South Florida, and in the surrounding school districts as we look toward an exciting and transformative future.”
Home to more than 2,200 students and 130 faculty members, the USF College of Education values high-quality education and excellence in research, teaching and learning. It maintains alignment with the goals of the university and the Florida Board of Governors by building collaborative structures that encourage interdisciplinary work within the college, across the university and throughout the community.