SMU Dean David Chard named to National Board for Education Sciences

David Chard

DALLAS (SMU) – The U.S. Senate has approved President Barack Obama’s nomination of David Chard, dean of SMU’s Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education and Human Development, to the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences. The 15-member board oversees and directs the work of the Institute of Education Sciences.

As the research arm of the U.S. Department of Education, the institute collects and analyzes education research data and funds researchers nationwide who are working to improve education outcomes for all students, particularly those at risk. In addition, the institute produces the Nation’s Report Card. Chard will serve a three-year term.

“Our nation’s students will be the beneficiaries of Dr. Chard’s service as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Education Sciences,” said SMU President R. Gerald Turner. “Dr. Chard is dedicated to pursuing education reform through research-based programs and practices. We are proud of his work and the fact that his leadership and knowledge will be shared at the highest level of our government.”

Chard, the Leon Simmons Endowed Dean, is a frequently published education scholar and former public school teacher. He has served as dean of SMU’s Annette Caldwell Simmons School of Education since 2007.  He came to SMU from the University of Oregon, where he was associate dean for the College of Education. Under his leadership, the Simmons School provides a new doctoral program as well as eight master’s degrees, graduate certificate programs and undergraduate degrees for nearly 1,000 students.

Dedicated to education reform through evidence-based research, Chard’s research and development projects have been awarded more than $11 million in federal, state and private grants.

“I am honored to serve on the National Board for Education Sciences as a researcher, educator, and a representative of SMU,” Chard said. “I look forward to working with colleagues so we may create a stronger understanding of what educators can do to teach all students, regardless of conditions.”

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SMU is a nationally ranked private university in Dallas founded 100 years ago. Today, SMU enrolls nearly 11,000 students who benefit from the academic opportunities and international reach of seven degree-granting schools.