College of Education and Human Development

Pamela Hudson Baker is Appointed New Division Director

George Mason University today announced that Pamela Hudson Baker has been named the new director of the Division of Special Education and disAbility Research.

Baker, an associate professor of special education, takes the reins from Michael Behrmann, who stepped down from the role in June. Behrmann has been a leading force at George Mason University for 35 years, and will continue his appointment as the Helen A. Kellar Professor of Special Education in the Graduate School of Education and as the director of the Helen A. Kellar Institute for Human disAbilities.

"I am delighted that Dr. Baker accepted this leadership position and look forward to our work together," said Mark R. Ginsberg, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. "The division's accomplishments in special education in the areas of teaching, research, and service are a point of pride for George Mason University as we strive to benefit our students, our community, and the world. Pam Baker's expertise and dedication will strengthen and build upon that achievement."

The Division of Special Education and disAbility Research is the largest of eight within the College of Education and Human Development. Baker will oversee 180 faculty and staff and nearly $6 million in research funding in FY2015. The division enrolls more than 800 graduate students each year, making it one of the largest special education departments in the country. In 2014, it was ranked as a Top 20 special education graduate program by U.S. News and World Report.

"I am honored to assume this leadership role and to continue working with our outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as with our local school divisions, funders, and alumni to address the challenges that students with special needs face," said Baker.  "We are committed to creating paths to success for all students."

Baker started at George Mason University in 2005, and received a doctorate in education from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Her research and teaching interests are focused on the inclusion of learners with special needs, and her background includes extensive experience managing programs for students with learning disabilities and emotional/behavioral disorders. Baker is respected throughout Northern Virginia's world-class school systems for her dedication to preparing teachers who are ready to step in and meet student needs. 

The Division of Special Education and disAbility Research offers master's degrees, a doctoral degree, undergraduate minors, and certificate programs. Many of the programs lead to licensure, and two of the master's programs are available as fully online degrees. Key academic areas are special education teaching and leadership; assistive technology; applied behavioral analysis; and autism.

The division also houses the Helen A. Kellar Institute, whose projects include regional and state-wide initiatives such as AIM-VA (Assistive Instructional Materials); T/TAC (Training and Technical Assistance Center); VATS North (Virginia Assistive Technology System North); and Mason LIFE, which offers college-aged students with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to live and study on the George Mason campus.

"I am stepping into some extraordinarly large shoes," said Baker about her new appointment. "I greatly appreciate Mike Behrmann for his service and the incredible legacy he has built. I am excited about the future and our continued service to teachers and students in Virginia."

 

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About CEHD

George Mason University's College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) includes two schools: the Graduate School of Education, one of the most comprehensive education schools in Virginia, and the School of Recreation, Health, and Tourism. CEHD offers a full range of courses, certificates, and degree programs on campus, online, and on site to more than 4,000 students each year. CEHD is fully accredited by NCATE and all licensure programs are approved by the Virginia Department of Education.

For additional information:

• CEHD Communications: cehdnews@gmu.edu
• Graduate School of Education: gse.gmu.edu
• Division of Special Education and disAbility Research: gse.gmu.edu/special-education

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