The University of North Florida appointed Stephen “Steve” W. Dittmore as dean of the College of Education and Human Services (COEHS), overseeing the college’s faculty, staff and students, along with its academic programs, centers and labs.
Previously a dean and professor of the College of Education and Health Sciences at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio, Dittmore helped lead the nascent college’s eight academic departments. He also served in several assistant professor and dean roles at the University of Arkansas’ College of Education and Health Professions from 2008 to 2022.
“Steve brings a wealth of diverse experience and expertise to this role,” said UNF president Moez Limayem. “His extensive experience in higher education administration at Arkansas, a leading research institution, will benefit UNF as we look to grow our research initiatives and become a destination of choice for students and faculty.”
Alongside his academic credentials, Dittmore has expertise in issues relating to intercollegiate athletic administration. His primary academic research focuses on topics such as Olympic and collegiate sport policy, government regulation of sport broadcasting, baseball history and the role of athletics within higher education. He has also authored several books and articles regarding the sports industry and is currently working as an assistant editor and content creator for AthleticDirectorU, a collegiate athletics news outlet.
Dittmore has also held membership in several sports management organizations, including the North American Society for Sport Management’s executive council and the editorial review boards of the International Journal of Sport Communication, the Journal of Applied Sport Management, Case Studies in Sport Management and the Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics.
Dittmore’s educational background includes a doctorate in educational leadership and organized development from the University of Louisville, Ky., a master’s degree in mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in news-editorial journalism, both from Drake University in Iowa.
“We are all delighted to welcome Steve to Jacksonville and to UNF,” said Karen Patterson, provost and vice president of Academic and Student Affairs. “He understands the mission and goals of the University and particularly of the College of Education and Human Services. We look forward to great things from the students, faculty and staff of the College and its programs under his leadership.”
COEHS interim dean Jennifer Kane will return to her previous role as associate dean of Academic and Student Affairs.
Dittmore’s role as COEHS dean begins immediately.
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