NEAG Dean Gets Another 5 Years At The Helm In Storrs

STORRS, CT — The University of Connecticut has reappointed Jason G. Irizarry to a second, five-year term as dean of the Neag School of Education.

The move is effective Aug. 23, 2026.

"Since his appointment in 2021, Dean Irizarry has led the Neag School of Education with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to equity, access, and excellence,” Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Pamir Alpay said in making the announcement. "Under his leadership, the School has advanced its academic programs, expanded student support, deepened community engagement, and strengthened its national profile as a top 30 public graduate school of education."

Alpay also commended Irizarry for leading the Neag School’s gains in student success and access, including the expansion of the School’s Early College Experience enrollment from 201 students in 2021-22 to more than 900 students across 25 districts in 2024-25.

In addition, the Teacher Certification Program for College Graduates and the UConn Administrator Preparation Program have been redesigned during Irizarry's tenure to improve affordability, quality, and alignment with workforce needs. Scholarships for students have doubled, and application fee waivers have supported the recruitment of a more diverse doctoral student body.

Since 2021, the Neag School has launched the Center for Connecticut Education Research Collaboration, introduced the Neag School of Education Journal, and supported the creation of Rapid Research Briefs for Connecticut’s Alliance Districts, which are the lowest-performing and lowest-resourced school districts in the state.