Since joining the University of Vermont as a faculty member of the College of Education and Social Services in 1986, Katharine Shepherd has earned a reputation as a values-driven and facilitative leader. 

“Katie is a collaborative and servant leader who brings both excellent scholarship and thoughtful leadership to her role,” said UVM Provost Patricia Prelock, who announced Shepherd’s appointment as dean effective Jan. 15. “I look forward to continuing our work together to enhance the success of the college.”

Shepherd is the Levitt Family Green and Gold Professor of Education, who served as interim dean of the college since July of 2021. In addition to her extensive teaching record, she previously held numerous leadership roles including program coordinator of special education, vice chair of the Department of Education, interim associate dean for academic affairs and research, and associate dean for academic affairs.

“I am inspired by the diversity and talent among our faculty, students, staff, and alumni, and the impact of the work that they do within and outside of the college,” Shepherd said. “Together, we prepare outstanding professionals and researchers who engage with our schools, families, and communities to address the most pressing issues of our time. I look forward to advancing the college’s position as a leader in a justice-oriented approach to transforming teaching, scholarship, policy, and service – here in Vermont, across the country, and around the world.”

CESS currently enrolls 720 undergraduate students and 344 graduate students in nationally accredited programs in education, social work, and human services. Strong relationships with school districts, human service organizations, and state agencies yield mutually beneficial partnerships between the college and communities across Vermont. Through their field experiences and internships, CESS students collectively contribute over 190,000 hours annually to the state. 

As interim dean, Shepherd supported efforts enhancing the college’s offerings and reputation while contributing to the university’s bid for R1 status. The college's external funding to support research increased by 43% under her leadership. It also established a new Ph.D. in social, emotional, and behavioral health and inclusive education and a new Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision. 

During her tenure as associate dean, the college launched an undergraduate certificate in place-based education, certificates of graduate study in education for sustainability and resiliency-based approaches, an undergraduate minor and concentration in computer science education, and a revised individually designed major.

Shepherd’s nationally recognized scholarship focuses on educational leadership and family-professional partnerships, collaborative teaming, and state and school-wide implementation of inclusive policies and practices, including Multi-Tiered Systems of Support. She is a recipient of the President’s Distinguished University Citizenship and Service Award, the Higher Education Consortium for Special Education Leadership and Service Award, and the Kroepsch-Maurice Excellence in Teaching Award, among other accolades.

During her career, Shepherd received over $3.6 million in externally funded research grants. Her publication record includes co-authoring two books and authoring or co-authoring 35 peer-reviewed journal articles, 16 book chapters, and 17 additional publications.