Indiana State University officials have named a veteran administrator with the nation's sixth largest higher education system to serve as dean of the Bayh College of Education.

Kantaylieniere "Kandi" Hill-Clarke, assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs with the Tennessee Board of Regents, was the overwhelming choice of faculty, staff and administrators in a nationwide search for the position, Jack Maynard, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Indiana State, said in announcing her selection.

"Dr. Hill-Clarke has the experience, drive and vision to build on the Bayh College of Education's tradition of excellence in the preparation of teachers and administrators," Maynard said. "Her experience as a classroom teacher as well as an administrator will serve the college and its students well and ensure that Indiana State remains a leader in developing and implementing the most effective teaching methods for an increasingly diverse community of learners."

Hill-Clarke began her career as an elementary school teacher in suburban Memphis. She held a variety of faculty positions with the University of Memphis and University of Mississippi prior to joining the Tennessee Board of Regents in 2008. During her tenure with the Board of Regents, she provided oversight and monitoring of all system activities related to teacher education and school leader preparation. She led the implementation of the "Ready2Teach" teacher education redesign for 19 universities and community colleges and the launch of a revised teacher performance assessment.

The Board of Regents oversees all Tennessee higher education institutions outside the University of Tennessee system, a total of 46 colleges, universities and technical centers serving more than 210,000 students.

"I am excited to serve as dean of the Bayh College of Education. It is a privilege to have this opportunity to work with such a talented group of faculty, staff and students," Hill-Clarke said. "The institution has a strong reputation in the community and across the region, which is most impressive. I will work diligently with faculty, staff, students and community partners to move forward the goals set in Indiana State University's strategic plan, and together we will enhance our national reputation as an outstanding college of education."

Hill-Clarke said she is delighted to become part of an institution that values community engagement, strong academic programs and experiential learning opportunities for students.

Richard "Biff" Williams, dean of the College of Nursing, Health, and Human Services and chair of the search committee for the education dean's position, said he is excited that Hill-Clarke is joining the ISU family.

"She brings a depth and breadth of knowledge that will not only benefit the Bayh College of Education but the community and the state. She has an enthusiasm and energy that is contagious and a passion for improving P-12 education," Williams said. "I am looking forward to her contributions as she and the faculty and staff build on the great successes of the Bayh College."

Hill-Clarke holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education from LeMoyne-Owen College as well as a master's degree and an Ed.D. in instruction and curriculum development with an emphasis in reading from the University of Memphis.She will begin her duties at Indiana State July 1, succeeding Brad Balch, who is stepping down as dean after seven years to return to the college's faculty.