Department of Educational Psychology appoints new chair


LAWRENCE – Rick Ginsberg, dean of the School of Education at the University of Kansas, has announced a change in leadership within the Department of Educational Psychology.

Effective Jan. 1, David Hansen, associate professor, became the new department chair.

“The school is lucky to have a scholar and leader of David’s abilities in this important role,” Ginsberg said. “He brings a wealth of forward-thinking ideas that will build on the department’s great strengths and help move them to new heights.”

Steven Lee, former chair of the Department of Educational Psychology, stepped down in December 2018. Lee was hired as chair of the department in June of 2012 and also served as part of the department’s faculty since 1987 as a professor in the school psychology program. Hansen was hired at KU in 2007 as an assistant professor.

In addition to his new role as department chair, Hansen currently is actively involved in research on early adolescents' learning through participation in high-quality arts programs led by professional teaching artists. He employs a positive youth development framework to understand how teen brain development promotes essential skills and competencies for adult life and work, such as human agency and learning to engage with challenges. Hansen is the author or co-author of more than 25 peer-reviewed journal articles or book chapters. More information on Hansen can be found here.

“The department continues to build on a strong foundation, a large part due to Dr. Lee’s leadership as chair,” Hansen said. “I look forward to carrying forward the momentum of the department as we seek to expand our service to Kansas and impact on the field of education.”

Tue, 02/26/2019

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Janelle Laudick

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