David Stroupe Named Interim Associate Dean for Research

The University of Utah College of Education has appointed David Stroupe as interim associate dean for research (ADR), effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. Stroupe, who was recently promoted to Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology, brings exceptional research leadership experience and a proven track record of securing significant grant funding to support the college's research mission.

Professor Stroupe joined the University of Utah from Michigan State University, where he served as a tenured associate professor and held key leadership roles including Associate Director of STEM Teacher Education in the CREATE for STEM Institute and Director of Science and Society at State. His impressive research portfolio includes securing over $10 million in grant funding, primarily from the National Science Foundation, and authoring numerous influential publications in top-tier journals.

Among his most prestigious recognitions, Stroupe was inducted as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in 2025, a distinguished honor that recognizes scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications. He is also recipient of the Gloria J. Ladson-Billings Outstanding Book Award from the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) for his book Growing and Sustaining Student-centered Science Classrooms (Harvard Education Press, 2023).

"Dr. Stroupe brings a unique set of expertise, skills, and leadership in research leadership and administration," said Dean Frankie Santos Laanan. "He has a strong record of research productivity and has a proven track record of successfully securing external federal funding. During the upcoming academic year, we will continue to assess and determine the best path forward in recruiting a permanent associate dean for research who can lead the college in raising its research visibility with global impact."

The appointment comes as the College of Education undergoes a "Redesign for Excellence" initiative during the 2025-26 academic year, which will inform the short- and long-term future of the college's academic leadership and organizational structure. Professor Stroupe's role as interim dean will be crucial in advancing the college's research agenda during this transformative period. At the University of Utah, he served as director of Research at the Usable STEM Research and Practice Hub and has already established himself as a leader in science education research.

The college extends its gratitude to Kirsten Butcher, who served as Interim associate dean for research during the past academic year. Under her leadership, the college made significant strides in advancing its research enterprise and supporting faculty in increasing research productivity. Her valuable contributions have positioned the college well for continued growth and excellence in research endeavors. Butcher will continue her role as associate dean for faculty and academic affairs.

“Our faculty, staff, and students serve as leaders in local, state, national, and global research initiatives,” Stroupe said. “I am thrilled to support Dean Laanan and the College of Education as we grow our capacity for world-class research that that shapes education policy and practice.”

For more information about Professor Stroupe, visit his faculty profile.