Education Dean Honored for Transforming Educator Preparation

The honor, which will be presented at the association's annual meeting Feb. 20 in New Orleans, reflects Rock's career-long commitment to excellence. Named for the association's longtime president, the award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to programs and policies that prepare teachers to better educate their students.

"Through his commitment to educational leadership, Dean Rock makes a powerful impact, ensuring that each cohort of future Mississippi teachers is equipped to deliver high-quality instruction that makes a profound difference," Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. "In service to these goals, he has become a national leader in research and policy, and this well-deserved honor reflects his distinguished legacy of achievement."

For Rock, the recognition carries deep personal and professional meaning.

"I'm honored to receive an award that bears David Imig's name," Rock said. "David has been a friend and mentor to so many of us in educator preparation and a champion for quality teaching throughout his career.

"He's always believed that excellent teachers can transform lives, and that belief has shaped our approach at the University of Mississippi."

Rock has put those beliefs into practice through partnerships across the state and nation.

"Quality education for the future generations of teachers has always been a priority for Dr. David Rock," said Noel Wilkin, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs. "He realizes the importance of collaborations between the school districts, universities and governments in ensuring teaching excellence at the K-12 level.

"Dr. Rock is personally committed to teaching excellence, and his involvement over his career has been instrumental in advancing teacher education in the state of Mississippi, and in the incredible success Mississippi has achieved in advancing our students."

Rock became dean of the Ole Miss School of Education in 2010 and has worked to reshape educator preparation in Mississippi and establish national models for teacher recruitment and development.

One of his most notable achievements is the Mississippi Excellence in Teaching Program, which has secured more than $30 million from the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation. The four-year scholarship program covers tuition, housing and technology expenses while providing study abroad experiences for future teachers committed to serving Mississippi schools for five years after graduation.

"Dr. Rock has been a visionary leader whose impact on educator preparation has been transformative and enduring," said Susan S. McClelland, professor emerita and METP director. "METP has become a national model that shows how preparation programs can be both selective and service-driven while elevating the teaching profession."

Throughout his career, Rock has secured more than $91 million in external funding for education initiatives. His recent achievements include establishing the school's first $1.5 million endowed faculty chair and founding the National Center for School-University Partnerships, which extends improvement science methods to districts and universities nationwide with contributions from Imig and other national education leaders.

But for Rock, the true measure of success is in the schools.

"I'm proud of the teachers we've prepared who are making a real difference in Mississippi classrooms," Rock said. "This work isn't done alone. This recognition really belongs to our dedicated faculty, staff, partners and supporters across the state who share that commitment every day."

Top: Dean David Rock welcomes university deans from across the country at the 2025 East Coast Improvement in Education Summit on Nov. 5 in Nashville, Tennessee. Rock has been named this year's winner of the David G. Imig Award for Distinguished Achievement in Educator Preparation, awarded by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Photo by Don Feitel /School of Education