There is a new leader at the front of the class for the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, following a national search.
Katie Anderson-Pence, Ph.D., has been named the head of the School of Education and assistant dean of the College of Professional Studies, announced CPS Dean Rebecca Sommer.
Anderson-Pence brings more than 20 years of experience as an educator, having served as an elementary teacher, district math specialist, university faculty member and most recently as associate dean for academic and faculty affairs at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
“In Katie Anderson-Pence, we have found a leader who understands the complexities of today’s educational landscape,” said Sommer. “She is creative and has a strategic mindset which will be instrumental in continuing and expanding upon the excellent work being done in the School of Education. Her passion for education, and her dedication to student, faculty and staff success make her an exceptional addition to our leadership team.”
“It is an honor to join a university with such a strong tradition of preparing educators who make a lasting impact,” said Anderson-Pence. “Since arriving in the Stevens Point area, I’ve been inspired by the incredible work already underway in the School of Education—from innovative teacher preparation programs to strong community partnerships. It’s clear this is a place where education is deeply valued and where collaboration drives meaningful change.”
In her new role at UW-Stevens Point, Anderson-Pence will lead the faculty, staff and students in the School of Education as it continues its mission to develop highly qualified professional educators who honor the uniqueness of all learners and positively impact the world through effective teaching.
“I’m really excited to step into this role and work alongside such passionate educators and community partners,” she said. “My goal is to bring fresh energy, listen closely and make sure our programs truly reflect the needs and strengths of the communities we serve. Education is all about relationships, and I believe that by working together—with schools, families and local organizations—we can prepare future educators to be thoughtful, responsive and ready to make a real difference.”
Anderson-Pence holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics Education and Leadership from Utah State University, M.Ed. in Elementary Mathematics Education from Southern Utah University and a B.S. in Elementary Education and Teaching from Brigham Young University. Her research has explored the integration of technology in mathematics instruction, mathematics discourse and alternative teacher preparation models—including teacher apprenticeship programs aimed at supporting paraeducators in rural communities. She has also worked closely with school districts to expand dual enrollment opportunities for high school students aspiring to enter the teaching profession.
She currently serves as a site visit team member for the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and as a board member for the School Science and Mathematics Association (SSMA). She also maintains active membership in the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and the National Rural Education Association.
In addition to her domestic impact, Anderson-Pence values international collaboration and has cultivated faculty-led student exchanges through a partnership with Kanazawa University in Japan.
“As I step into this new role, I bring with me a collaborative spirit and a deep belief in the power of relationships,” she added. “I look forward to connecting with alumni, students and partners as we build on our strong foundation to shape a future that is inclusive, innovative and impactful.”
Her father was an active-duty Air Force officer, so Anderson-Pence lived in several locations across the country with her family. She has mostly lived in the Rocky Mountain West, and she is excited to live in the Midwest for the first time. She started June 2 and succeeds Lynda Fernholz who retired in 2024.
About the School of Education at UW-Stevens Point
Founded in 1894 as the Stevens Point Normal School, UW-Stevens Point has a proud legacy of preparing outstanding educators. Today, the School of Education is the hub for teacher preparation, offering undergraduate and graduate programs in early childhood education, elementary education, physical education, special education and certifications in K-12 and secondary education. It is home to more than 1,300 undergraduate and 400 graduate students. School of Education faculty are nationally recruited scholar-practitioners known for their subject expertise, commitment to student success and real-world classroom experience.