To strengthen student success and drive academic innovation, the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies has appointed two new associate deans. James Bartlett, Ph.D., will serve as associate dean for student affairs and engagement, and Xihe Zhu, Ph.D., as associate dean for academic innovation and assessment.

These two leadership roles will strengthen key areas of our college and support the priorities outlined in the Darden College鈥檚 strategic plan. Together, they will help enhance the student experience, strengthen alumni engagement and external partnerships, advance academic innovation, strengthen assessment and continuous improvement, and position the Darden College for continued growth and excellence.

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James Bartlett, Ph.D. brings extensive leadership experience in workforce development, community college leadership, and postsecondary career and technical education. During his time at the University, he has served as professor of postsecondary education and workforce development, assistant department chair of the Department of Educational Leadership and Workforce Development, graduate program director for community college leadership, and executive director of the Center for Workforce Development Research and Practice. Prior to joining the University, he held faculty appointments at North Carolina State University, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

A nationally recognized scholar, Dr. Bartlett鈥檚 research focuses on creating pathways to careers through work-based learning, business and industry partnerships and aligning education with workforce needs. He has authored more than 100 scholarly publications, secured more than $15 million in external funding, chaired more than 90 doctoral dissertations, and currently serves as president of the University Council for Workforce and Human Resource Education. His extensive experience mentoring students, building partnerships, and connecting higher education with workforce and community needs positions him well to strengthen student success while fostering meaningful engagement with alumni, external partners, and philanthropic initiatives that support the mission of the Darden College. 

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Xihe Zhu, Ph.D. has served as chair of the Department of Human Movement Studies and Special Education for the past six years, providing outstanding leadership through significant programmatic growth, organizational change and strategic planning. His administrative experience includes graduate program leadership, curriculum oversight, program review, new program development, and collegewide committee leadership, positioning him well to advance academic innovation and assessment across the Darden College.

Dr. Zhu is also an accomplished scholar, having authored more than 130 peer-reviewed publications, secured external funding from government and private agencies, and recently received the 2026 SHAPE America Measurement & Evaluation Honor Award. Beyond his scholarship, he has demonstrated strong fiscal and strategic leadership by helping develop the college鈥檚 formula-based budget allocation model and leading initiatives focused on curricular innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusive excellence. His experience with assessment, academic quality and innovation will be invaluable as he leads these efforts for the college.

 

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Dr. Bartlett and Dr. Zhu join a leadership team led by Dean Tammi Dice and including Jennifer Simmons, senior assistant dean for academic operations, and Jamie Colwell, Ph.D., associate dean for faculty affairs, research and partnerships. Collectively, this team will guide the college's strategic priorities while continuing to strengthen the experiences of students, faculty, staff, alumni and community partners. For collaboration opportunities, questions or to connect, please contact the Office of the Dean at dceps@odu.edu or call (757) 683-3938.