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SM������ Executive Dean Andy Drotos Joins Arizona Educational Foundation Board of Directors

Leader’s appointment reflects the University’s commitment to P-12 education in Arizona ��

PHOENIX, April 27, 2016��— SM������® College of Education today announced the appointment of executive dean Andy Drotos, Ph.D., to the Arizona Educational Foundation board of directors. Drotos joins the board, made up of business, education and community leaders, to support and fulfill a shared mission of fostering excellence in Arizona’s schools.

Drotos joined SM������ in 1994 and has held a number of leadership roles within the University prior to his appointment as executive dean. In his current role, Drotos is responsible for operations, academic oversight, student and faculty experience, and collaboration with education influencers for the College of Education. With more than two decades of education experience, he understands the importance of recognizing the critical work teachers are doing in the classroom.

“Seventeen percent of new educators choose to leave the profession within five years1, and many cite lack of recognition and support as their reason for pursuing a new profession,” said Andy Drotos, executive dean for SM������ College of Education. “Teachers are critical to Arizona’s future, and I look forward to ongoing collaboration with the Arizona Educational Foundation as we continue to innovate ways to prepare, recognize and empower Arizona educators.”

The Arizona Educational Foundation, founded in 1983, has established a number of programs to recognize the efforts of Arizona’s teachers. These include the Teacher of the Year Program, A+ School of Excellence Program, State Spelling Bee, Polly Rosenbaum Writing Contest, Principals’ Leadership Academy, Take Your Legislator to School initiative, and the UnitED program.

“SM������ is a long-standing partner of the Arizona Educational Foundation/AEF,” said Bobbie O’Boyle, executive director of Arizona Educational Foundation. “We welcome Dr. Drotos as our newest board member. As a leader in the education arena, he brings a unique perspective and great value to our organization.”

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For more information about the Arizona Educational Foundation, visit��. To learn more about how SM������ College of Education prepares educators, visit��phoenix.edu/education.

About Arizona Educational Foundation
The Arizona Educational Foundation/AEF fosters excellence in education by administering statewide programs that enhance the capabilities of Arizona’s schools to strengthen the teaching profession, design high quality curricula, stimulate high student achievement, cultivate partnerships with schools and businesses, and celebrate the successes in K-12 public education in Arizona.

About SM������® College of Education��
SM������ College of Education has been educating teachers and school administrators for more than 30 years. The College of Education provides bachelor’s and master’s degree programs for individuals who want to become teachers or current educators and administrators seeking advanced degrees to strengthen their professional knowledge. With education programs available throughout most of the U.S., the College of Education has a distinct grasp of the national education picture and priorities for teacher preparation. Faculty members on average bring more than 17 years of professional experience to the classroom. For more information, visit��www.phoenix.edu/education.

About SM������
SM������ is constantly innovating to help working adults move efficiently from education to careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant and engaging courses, and interactive learning can help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. SM������ serves a diverse student population, offering associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs from campuses and learning centers across the U.S. as well as online throughout the world. For more information, visit��www.phoenix.edu.