Dr. Courtney Bentley has been named dean of the College of Education at the University of Montevallo. She returns to UM from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she has served as associate dean of programs for the School of Education. She will begin her duties at Montevallo June 1.

Bentley holds an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University, a master’s degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University.

Prior to her role as associate dean, Bentley served as associate professor and director of the Malone Center for Excellence in Teaching at the University of Montevallo. She also held faculty positions at the University of Central Florida and Troy University.

“The University of Montevallo is such a special place, and I’m deeply honored to be named Dean of the College of Education,” said Bentley upon accepting the position. “I believe that the College is uniquely positioned to strengthen Alabama communities by providing transformative health, human science and educator preparation programs. I see tremendous opportunities to both build new and grow existing partnerships and initiatives that will positively impact our region. I am thrilled beyond measure to return to UM.”

In addition to her faculty positions, Bentley has both taught in and worked with P-12 schools and other educational agencies to support equitable learning opportunities for children, youth and adult learners. This involvement in rural, suburban and urban environments has provided her with the unique opportunity to observe how students from diverse backgrounds and communities learn most effectively. These combined experiences inform Bentley’s commitment to increasing equitable opportunities, improving educational outcomes and seeking social justice for underserved communities.

Bentley also serves as president-elect of the Alabama Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, as chair of the Advancing Multicultural Learning Committee of the National Association for Multicultural Education and serving on the Alabama Professional Learning Commission.

In announcing Bentley’s selection, UM Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs James McDonald said, “A national search for our next dean of education garnered many outstanding applicants, but Dr. Bentley rose to the top. Her breadth and depth of experience, a collaborative and engaged leadership style and impressive scholarly accomplishments were critical factors that stood out. I am excited to welcome an outstanding administrator back to the UM community and look forward to working with her as we continue to strategically grow the institution.”