Dr. Tammi Dice has served as Dean of the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies since June 2022. Dean Dice, a leader with roots in education and social justice, spent 17 years at ODU prior to her appointment. Throughout the dean's time at ODU, the college has experienced numerous positive developments, particularly in the realms of faculty and student support, shared governance, and equity.
Dean Dice’s journey at ODU began in 2005 as a faculty in the Counseling and Human Services Department. She served as the undergraduate program director for the Human Services program and assistant chair for the Department. In 2017 she assumed the role of Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education for the College. In this capacity, she championed the development of new B.S. in Education degrees and played a key role in advancing the university's policies on undergraduate education.
In 2020, Dice was named Interim Dean of the Darden College, after the retirement of Dr. Jane Bray. Notably, she guided the college through a global pandemic. Her leadership during this period was instrumental in enhancing online education, supporting the successful accreditation of key programs, and developing initiatives to promote the diversity of faculty and staff, and support equitable and inclusive practices throughout the college.
Since her appointment as Dean, she spearheaded several initiatives, including the development of the DCEPS Research Support Center, a reconfiguration of departments in the college, launching of the Critical Conversations in Education series, initiating a Holmes Scholars Program, and continuing to engage in efforts to disrupt system barriers and promote an equitable, accessible, and inclusive environment. These have been collaborative efforts including the expertise of faculty, staff, and administrators from across the college.
Dean Dice has placed a strong emphasis on recruitment, marketing, and fundraising efforts, ensuring the college remains competitive and increasing access to new scholarships and annual gifts. Her professional contributions have changed the landscape of the college at the same time that her scholarly work has created lasting impacts in the fields of youth development and human services professional training.
Dean Dice’s academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Counselor Education from the College of William & Mary, and both a Master of Science in Education in School Counseling and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Old Dominion University. She is a proud Monarch with a profound dedication to fostering growth, development, and success among ODU students, faculty, and staff.
Dean Dice holds the prestigious Lenore McNeer Award from the National Organization of Human Services for her contributions to the field, her success as a leader, and her role as an advocate for systemic change. Her vision for the college aligns with that of Old Dominion University–to create a forward-focused, culturally sustaining climate that promotes excellence in teaching, service, and scholarship.