Ed Bengtson, formerly the department head of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education and Health Professions, is leading the graduate education efforts of the Graduate School and International Education as its associate dean effective Aug. 1.

In his role, Bengtson will work to develop and promote graduate education on campus, advocate for graduate students, support graduate student success initiatives and monitor compliance with graduate and university policies, among other duties. He will supervise the Office of Graduate and International Admissions, Testing Services and the interdisciplinary graduate degree programs.  

Bengtson has served as head of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction since 2019 after nine years as a faculty member in the educational leadership program, beginning as an assistant professor before his promotion to associate professor in 2016. He also served as program coordinator for the university's Educational Leadership Program from 2015-19.

Prior to a career in academia, Bengtson served as a public school teacher and administrator for 22 years. His research interests include the succession of leadership in educational institutions and data use in the K-12 educational arena.

"I am extremely excited and honored to be asked to step into the role of associate dean of the Graduate School," Bengtson said. "I am looking forward to joining Dean Pohl and the rest of the GSIE team in supporting all graduate programs across the University of Arkansas campus."

He has earned a plethora of awards in his time at the U of A, including the 2021 GSIE Outstanding Mentor Award and five annual awards from the Department of Curriculum and Instruction — the STAR Faculty Award, two Outstanding Advising Awards and additional awards for Outstanding Service and Research. In 2016, he was named to the state's Leadership 2020 Task Force charged with the redesign of educational leadership preparation programs in Arkansas.  

"I am thrilled to have Dr. Bengtson joining us in the Graduate School and International Education," said Ed Pohl, dean of Graduate School and International Education. "Dr. Bengtson brings extensive experience to us from his role leading a department with a wide variety of graduate programs and certificates, and I look forward to his leadership helping us expand graduate education for Arkansans and beyond."

Bengtson holds his bachelor's degree in music education from Penn State University, a master's degree in performance and literature from California State University, an education specialist degree in educational administration and leadership from George Washington University and a doctorate in educational administration and policy from the University of Georgia.