UT Tyler Announces New School of Education Dean
May 7, 2026 | Beverley Golden
Dr. D. Robert DeHaas has been appointed dean of The University of Texas at Tyler School of Education, effective July 1.
“Dr. DeHaas has built a remarkable career redefining what modern educator preparation can look like,” said UT Tyler President Julie V. Philley, MD. “He has distinguished himself as a leader with a strong ability to design systems, grow programs and respond directly to community and workforce needs, which makes him an exceptional fit for UT Tyler as we continue to expand our academic footprint.”
Earlier this year, UT Tyler announced plans to re-imagine its School of Education to help address the teacher shortage in East Texas and partner with school districts to help strengthen the region’s K-12 outcomes.
“This next chapter for the School of Education will shape the experiences of the students and educators, and I look forward to working with Dr. DeHaas, the School of Education and our community partners to build a strong education workforce for East Texas,” said UT Tyler Provost Dr. Barbara K. Haas, PhD.
DeHaas currently serves as Dallas College vice provost, where he founded and led the development of one of the state’s most innovative educator preparation programs. His work has been defined by a commitment to student success, workforce alignment and meaningful partnerships with school districts and community stakeholders.
Under his leadership, Dallas College launched the state’s first bachelor’s degree in education at a community college and developed teacher residency and apprenticeship models that are influencing practice across the state. His efforts have resulted in substantial external funding and strengthened pathways into the teaching profession. He also brings a collaborative leadership approach grounded in faculty engagement and shared governance. DeHaas has remained an active faculty member, ensuring his leadership is informed by the realities of the classroom and the student experience.
“I am honored to join The University of Texas at Tyler at such an important moment for East Texas,” said DeHaas. “The opportunity to reimagine educator preparation in partnership with our K–12 schools and communities is both urgent and inspiring. Together, I am confident we will build strong, aligned pathways into the teaching profession that expand access, strengthen the workforce and ultimately improve outcomes for students across the region.”
The UT Tyler School of Education offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree options as well as certification programs. For more information, contact education@uttyler.edu.
With a mission to improve educational and health care outcomes for East Texas and beyond, UT Tyler offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 11,500 students. Through its alignment with UT Tyler Health Science Center and UT Health East Texas, UT Tyler has unified these entities to serve Texas with quality education, cutting-edge research and excellent patient care. Classified by Carnegie as a doctoral research institution and by U.S. News & World Report as a national university, UT Tyler has campuses in Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston.