Howell Named Assistant Dean for Educator Preparation, Assessment and Accreditation
Tue, 06/02/2026 - 02:56pm | By: Karelia Pitts
Dr. Jay Howell
Dr. Jay Howell has been appointed assistant dean for educator preparation, assessment and accreditation for 小狐狸直播 College of Education and Human Sciences effective July 1, 2026.
鈥淒r. Howell has provided exceptional leadership to our Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) and played a central role in guiding the College through a successful CAEP accreditation process. More importantly, he has helped redefine what continuous improvement means for our educator preparation programs by building systems that support data-informed decision making, accountability and excellence,鈥� said Dr. Trent Gould, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences. 鈥淚 am excited for Jay and the impact he will have in this expanded leadership role.鈥�
An Alabama native, Howell was a proud Auburn Tiger before becoming a Golden Eagle. He earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in secondary social studies education (2001) and both his master鈥檚 degree (2007) and Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction (2014) from Auburn University. As a former high school history and geography teacher and husband to a nationally board-certified elementary school teacher, Howell is passionate about teacher preparation and remains connected to K-12 education.
In 2014, he joined the faculty at Southern Miss as an assistant professor of secondary education in the School of Education. Howell was promoted to associate professor in 2020 and began serving as interim associate school director in 2022. He has also served as program coordinator for the School鈥檚 secondary education programs (secondary education BS and secondary education MAT).
鈥淚 am grateful for the opportunities that have led me to this role and for the support I have received from colleagues and mentors. My goal is to support the people, partnerships and systems that prepare educators and serve schools across Mississippi,鈥� said Dr. Howell. 鈥淎s the state鈥檚 historical normal college, Southern Miss has a proud legacy of educational service, and I am honored to work alongside a talented team as we continue that tradition through the work of our Educator Preparation Provider.鈥�
The EPP at Southern Miss houses the university's teacher licensure programs. It is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation () and holds state-level approval from the Mississippi Department of Education.