Claude Steele, provost of Columbia University and a preeminent scholar of social psychology, will be the next dean of Stanford University's School of Education, President John Hennessy and Provost John Etchemendy announced today.

Steele was a member of the Stanford faculty from 1991 to 2009, when he assumed the position as chief academic officer at Columbia, where he is responsible for assuring the quality of all academic programs and faculty. He will succeed Deborah Stipek, who will be stepping down after 10 years as dean. Steele's appointment is effective September 1.

"For nearly two decades, Claude Steele was an integral part of Stanford University and it will be a pleasure to welcome him back in this capacity," Hennessy said. "His academic expertise and his demonstrated leadership will serve not only the School of Education, but the university as a whole."

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