University hires new dean

TAMPA — The University of South Florida appointed Robert Knoeppel dean of its college of education.

Knoeppel, a professor and department chair at Clemson University, will officially join USF in May, according to a press release. Knoeppel, the release states, is a nationally recognized researcher whose work has regularly been published in the Journal of Education Finance and Educational Considerations. His areas of expertise include education finance, education reform and educational leadership.

“USF is pleased to welcome Dr. Knoeppel, an accomplished researcher and transformational leader, who will bring forward-thinking, community-building practices to the college of education,” states USF provost and executive vice president Ralph Wilcox, in the release. “Dr. Knoeppel is a dedicated scholar and practitioner.”

Prior to his tenure at Clemson, Knoeppel held an academic appointment at the University of Kentucky, where he led courses in educational leadership studies. He also worked for several years in the Virginia public school system, the release states.