Kamau Siwatu served as interim dean for Texas Tech for the past year.

Summary:

Texas Tech University has appointed Kamau Siwatu as dean of the College of Education, effective June 1, 2025. Siwatu previously served as interim dean and has held several key leadership roles within the college. He brings a strong record of scholarship, innovative teaching and strategic leadership to his new role.

Why This Matters:

• Scholarly Expertise: Siwatu is a nationally recognized expert and brings valuable research expertise to the college’s mission.
• Proven Leadership: His leadership has already driven key improvements in faculty development, student recruitment and academic policy.
• Strategic Continuity: This appointment ensures continuity and a student-centered vision for the College of Education’s continued growth.

Texas Tech University has named Kamau Siwatu dean of the College of Education, effective June 1, 2025. A nationally recognized scholar and experienced academic leader, Siwatu will guide the college’s strategic priorities in teaching, research, service and student success.

“Kamau brings exceptional leadership, a strong scholarly record, and a deep commitment to student success,” said Ron Hendrick, Provost and Senior Vice President. “His dedication to Texas Tech and its mission is evident in every role he has taken on, and I’m confident he will lead the College of Education with integrity, vision and purpose.”

Siwatu is a professor of educational psychology and has held a variety of leadership roles within the college, including department chair and interim associate dean for academic affairs. He is known for his student-centered teaching and innovative approach to instruction, with former students consistently praising his ability to connect theory to practice in meaningful ways.

"My service as interim dean has provided me with invaluable firsthand experience and a deeper understanding of the responsibilities and demands of the role,” Siwatu said. 

“This opportunity affirmed both my commitment to the position and my ability to lead effectively. I am enthusiastic about continuing as dean and confident in my capacity to advance the College of Education’s mission and contribute meaningfully to its continued growth and success." 

An accomplished researcher, Siwatu’s scholarship has been published in leading peer-reviewed journals such as “Urban Education,” “Contemporary Educational Psychology,” “Teaching and Teacher Education,” and the “Journal of Educational Research.”

As chair of the Department of Educational Psychology, Leadership, and Counseling – the largest graduate department in the College of Education – Siwatu oversaw faculty development, academic policy, and departmental operations. Under his leadership, the department achieved a 100% success rate in faculty promotion and tenure reviews and implemented more efficient faculty review processes.

In January 2024, Siwatu was appointed interim associate dean for academic affairs, where he led efforts to enhance student recruitment, streamline admissions processes, and support strategic enrollment management across the college.

As dean, Siwatu will oversee the college’s academic programs, resource management, alumni relations and external partnerships. He will also serve as the college’s representative in institutional planning and community engagement efforts.

Siwatu earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills, his master’s degree from Florida State University, and his doctorate from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.