Chowan University proudly introduces Dr. Ella Benson as the new Dean of the School of Education, one of the most popular programs on the historic campus.

“I have been warmly welcomed by everyone I’ve met,” Dr. Benson said. “I feel our work here at Chowan, and the School of Education in particular, is very important as there is such a need for excellent teachers in northeast North Carolina, southern Virginia and beyond.”

Benson has taught graduate level courses online and in person for several colleges and universities since 2003, when she graduated with her doctorate from the University of Virginia’s Educational Leadership program. Her dissertation work focused on the relationship between school climate and student achievement in low income elementary schools. Benson also holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Norfolk State University and a Masters of Education degree in Special Education from Old Dominion University, and is the past Virginia Regional Center Director at Cambridge College.

Prior to her work in higher education, Benson was a middle and high school special education teacher working with students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. While at Chowan University, her teaching will again focus on introducing education majors to special education, as well as introducing upperclassmen to principles of educational research methods and professional and ethical standards in order to improve student learning in the K-6 setting.

Benson’s own current research and scholarship are focused on the ethical treatment of immigrant children, classroom management of pre-school students with special needs, and educational history and change in local schools. Dr. Benson is also currently working on a children’s book series designed to teach social skills to young children and features her main character, Rosie the Mastiff.

Congratulations to Dr. Ella Benson on her new appointment as Dean of the School of Education at Chowan University.