PHILADELPHIA, May 22, 2014

Nancy Butler Songer, PhD, has been named the new dean of the School of Education at Drexel University. Songer will begin her term on August 3.

Songer comes to Drexel from the University of Michigan, where she is a professor of science education and learning technologies and director of the Center for Essential Science, a multi-disciplinary research organization addressing the underrepresentation of urban students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

She is known for her research into how to engage and support complex scientific reasoning among students ranging from elementary to high school ages. Her scholarship has received frequent recognition including a Presidential Faculty Fellowship awarded by President Clinton.

 “Nancy brings the perfect perspective to lead Drexel’s School of Education, with its strong attention to urban education and STEM excellence,” said Drexel President John A. Fry. “She will position the school to better contribute to Drexel’s strategic priorities including experiential learning, civic engagement, online pedagogy and support of a strong regional economy.”

 Songer previously served as chair of the Department of Educational Studies and director of the Educational Technology Program in Michigan’s School of Education, where she is a professor of science education and learning technologies. She began her career at the University of Colorado’s School of Education in Boulder, after completing her doctorate in science education at the University of California, Berkeley. She holds a master’s degree in molecular and developmental biology from Tufts University and studied biology as an undergraduate at the University of California, Davis.

 The School of Education plays a key role in Drexel’s neighborhood partnerships involving public education in Philadelphia, highlighted by the recent successful bid to acquire the former site of University City High School. Additionally, Drexel launched its new DragonsTeach program last week, as part of a national initiative to meet the need for STEM teachers. DragonsTeach will offer students in Drexel’s STEM majors the opportunity to integrate teacher preparation into their curricula. The program is spearheaded by the School of Education in collaboration with the College of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences.