A new dean has been named to lead the University of Tennessee at Martin College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Mary Lee Hall, currently the assistant dean for the University of Memphis College of Education, will assume the dean's position in September at UT Martin.

Originally from McKenzie, Tenn., Hall taught at the elementary and high school levels and once owned and operated her own day-care center. She is currently president-elect of the Tennessee Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and is chair of the Alternative Licensure Online Degree Program Committee for the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Dr. Tom Rakes, UT Martin vice chancellor for academic affairs, said that Hall is respected throughout the state, including within the Tennessee State Department of Education.

"Dr. Hall is a great fit for our campus, and she has demonstrated the commitment and educational expertise to provide strong leadership as dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences," he said.

Rakes commended the leadership of Dr. Frank Black, professor of education, who served as the college's interim dean during the national search to fill the position. Black will return to full-time teaching, while Rakes will assume administrative duties for the college until Hall arrives in September.