Dean's Message
I am honored to serve as dean of the College of Education and Human Development (EDHD). Bowling Green State University was founded as a teachers' college in 1910 as Bowling Green Normal School. Over a century later, the university has expanded its mission and is now recognized as a leading university for student engagement and satisfaction.
As BGSU's founding college, we have many reasons to be proud. A recent analysis from the Ohio Department of Higher Education indicates that BGSU graduates more teachers than any other university campus and our teachers are paid the second highest average salaries in the state of Ohio. Programs like physical education and health education, intervention services and inclusive early childhood education offer students the opportunity to earn two licenses while pursuing one degree. Our educator preparation programs model innovative teaching practices, have extensive field experiences from the beginning of the program, and foster the effective and ethical integration of technology. BGSU's tradition for excellence teaching and learning is evident in PK-12 classrooms across the state and nation.
Over the decades, our college has expanded beyond preparing teachers. Our sport management program has one of the strongest alumni networks in North America and a reputation for excellence. The fashion merchandise and product development program blends business, construction, and consumer knowledge to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers in the fashion industry, including as buyers, retail managers, technical designers, and trend forecasters. Graduates from the tourism, hospitality and event management program have gone on to productive careers in hotels and resorts in both domestic and international settings. Our rapidly growing exercise science program prepares graduates for careers as personal trainers or for continuing on to a doctorate in physical therapy. The state-of-the-art studio space occupied by our interior design program provides students with opportunities to create the living and working spaces of the future. Our human development and family science program prepares graduates for versatile career options, including child life specialist, family support specialist, youth program coordinator, family advocate, and community outreach specialist.
Our mission in the College of Education and Human Development is to be the premier learning community in Ohio, and one of the best in the nation. Through the interdependence of teaching, learning, scholarship and service, we create an academic environment grounded in intellectual discovery and guided by rational discourse and civility.
We have more than 50 academic majors and nine minors. With this, we can truly have a serious impact on our nation’s future. Nelson Mandela stated: “Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world!”
Together we can create change through knowledge, education, dedication and hard work. I look forward to seeing you around campus and at our events.
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Respectfully, your Dean and Forever Falcon,
Dawn Shinew
Updated: 09/05/2025 03:11PM