A Johnston native and University of South Carolina grad has been named the new dean of the school of education at USC’s Aiken campus.
David G. Buckman is the new dean, effective July 1, USCA said in a statement. Judy Beck most recently served as dean of the school for about a decade.
“As a native of Johnston, S.C., and a proud alumnus of the University of South Carolina, I’m honored to return home and serve the Aiken community,” Buckman said in the statement.
USCA has a “strong tradition” of preparing educators who make a difference, and he looks forward to advancing that mission, Buckman said.
A nationally-respected scholar, Buckman earned his Ph.D. in educational administration as well as his Ed.S., master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of South Carolina, the statement said.
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He returns to South Carolina after a stint in Georgia. Buckman most recently served as associate dean for education partnerships at the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, for about two years.
Prior to that, he worked briefly as an associate dean of education at Augusta University, according to his Linkedin profile. Before that, he was at Kennesaw State University for six-and-a-half years, serving as an associate and assistant professor of educational leadership and an interim department chair of inclusive education.
At West Georgia, Buckman also served as interim chair of the Department of Sports Management, Wellness and Physical Education.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Buckman to our academic leadership team,” USCA Provost Phillip Bridgmon said. “His expertise in educational leadership, his demonstrated success with external partnerships, and his passion for advancing the teaching profession will help propel our school of education into its next phase of growth and impact.”
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Buckman’s research focuses on critical issues in school human resources, including educator pay, retention, and succession planning. He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed articles and several book chapters and served in editorial leadership roles for top education journals, the statement said.
He is an award-winning educator and a champion for equitable access to education and leadership opportunities, it said.
Located in Aiken, USCA offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees to approximately 4,000 students in more than 70 academic programs.
