Dr. Christopher Trombly has been chosen to serve as the university’s new dean of the College of Education.
Trombly has served as interim dean of the College of Education since August 2024, providing steady leadership and vision during a time of transition. Dr. Julia Irwin, interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, said Trombly’s “continued dedication to the College of Education makes this appointment both a natural progression and a promising new chapter.”
With a deep commitment to the well-being of children, families, and the professionals who serve them, Trombly brings over three decades of experience in public education. His distinguished career includes 16 years at the PreK-12 level, where he served as a school counselor, assistant principal, and principal in the Duxbury (Mass.) Public Schools, followed by 12 years in higher education—five at Arkansas Tech University and the past seven at Southern.
He holds a B.A. in political science from Colorado State University, as well as an M.A. in counseling psychology and an M.Ed. and a Ph.D. in educational leadership from Boston College. He is also a proud alumnus of VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). In addition to his academic and professional achievements, Trombly serves on the board of directors for Connecticut CASA, an organization that recruits and trains volunteers to be court-appointed special advocates for children and adolescents in the foster care system. Since 2021, he has co-chaired the Connecticut General Assembly’s Task Force to Study the Comprehensive Needs of Children in the State.
Irwin said, “His leadership and vision will undoubtedly shape the future of education and community service here at Southern, preparing the next generation of compassionate educators, helping professionals, and leaders.”
