Updated: March 3, 2025, at 12:54 p.m.
Graduate School of Education and Human Development Dean Michael Feuer will step down from his position on July 1, according to a University release.
Feuer, who has served as dean since 2010, will remain in the school as a tenured professor. Feuer said he is stepping away from the role to spend time to focus on a project that incorporates civic education into teacher preparation programs as outlined in his recent book “Can Schools Save Democracy?” according to the release.
“GSEHD is a beacon of light for the role of evidence in education, and I am honored to have led such a splendid team of professionals striving to make a difference in the complex ecology of teaching, learning and human development,” Feuer said in the release.
During his tenure, Feuer helped develop and launch the school’s doctoral program and concentrations, launched a dual degree partnership with Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University and helped double the school’s endowment to $6.5 million, according to the release.
While he was dean, GSEHD launched a master’s program in Jewish education in 2018 and a center for Jewish education in 2024. In 2023, the school began a special education apprenticeship initiative with Alexandria Public Schools and an equity-centered leadership program for D.C. Public School teachers.
Feuer co-chaired the committee that recommended the University adopt test-optional admissions for undergraduate students in 2015, which GSEHD later adopted.
In 2014, he was appointed by President Barack Obama to the National Board for Education Sciences.
Provost Chris Bracey said in the release that Feuer has been a “steady and trusted” leader of the school while leading it through strategic initiatives, thinking about the changing nature of the field of education and providing historical knowledge.
“I look forward to his continued partnership and advancement of educational initiatives as a member of the GSEHD faculty,” Bracey said in the release.
The University will release information about interim leadership at GSEHD when it becomes available, according to the release.
“Dean Feuer has brought dedication, experience and innovation to his role, ensuring that the GW community is inclusive, resilient and prepared for the future, and I am grateful he will continue to contribute his expertise as a member of our faculty,” University President Granberg said in the release.
Titilola Harley, chair of GSEHD’s National Council for Education and Human Development, said Feuer has led the school to implement new programs and form local and national partnerships.
“Although there is no shortage of successes that could be mentioned, the hallmark of his legacy — and what I believe his council, administration, faculty and students will miss the most — is the people-centered culture he has fostered within the school,” Harley said in the release.
Feuer previously served as an assistant professor at Drexel University from 1981 to 1986, a senior analyst at the Congressional Office of Technology Assessment from 1986 to 1993 and the Executive Director of the Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education National Academy of Sciences from 1993 to 2010, according to his LinkedIn.
This post was updated to correct the following:
The original headline for this piece reported that Feuer had served in the role of dean for 10 years. Feuer has been the role for 15 years. We regret this error.
