FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   DATE:  April 1, 2008 CONTACT: Marshall Collins, 361.825.2427.Education Dean Hopkins Leaving for West Virginia University     Education Dean Hopkins Leaving for West Virginia University CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Dr. Dee Hopkins, dean of the College of Education at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, has accepted the position of dean for the College of Human Resources and Education at West Virginia University in Morgantown. Dr. Hopkins, who is now in her eighth year in leading the College of Education, will assume her new role at West Virginia University on July 1. During her time at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, the College of Education has grown in community engagement, sponsored research and degree programs. The Early Childhood Development Center expanded from serving children through the third grade to the fifth grade. The Ph.D. in counseling was created, along with the Ed.D. in curriculum and instruction, and the master’s degree in kinesiology. In addition, the University Preparatory High School, a collaboration between Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and the Flour Bluff Independent School District, began during the 2006-2007 school year. The Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Education Center became a part of the College of Education, providing many community-based education program. “We will miss Dean Hopkins’ leadership at the College of Education,” said Dr. Anantha Babbili, University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “The field of education continues to grow rapidly as society places a greater demand for highly skilled teachers and for more opportunities for children to excel in specialized programs. Dean Hopkins has guided the college to meet these many challenges.” Dr. Babbili said that the University will formulate the search process over the next few weeks for Dean Hopkins’ replacement.