As the new dean of the University of Oregon College of Education, Thomson Professor Emily Tanner-Smith, PhD, brings a deep commitment to research, student success, and community impact. A nationally recognized prevention scientist and longtime member of the College of Education community, Tanner-Smith has dedicated her career to using evidence-based research to improve lives and expand opportunities for children, families, and communities.
Since joining the college in 2017, she has helped advance its reputation as a leader in innovative research and real-world impact. Now, as dean, she is focused on strengthening the college's mission of preparing future leaders, advancing groundbreaking research, and building meaningful partnerships across Oregon and beyond.
We sat down with Dean Tanner-Smith to learn more about her career journey, what inspires her about the College of Education, and her vision for the future. Here is what she had to say.
What do you love about the College of Education at the University of Oregon?
What I love most about our college is the people. Everyone in our community cares deeply about improving the human experience. Our students, faculty, and staff are all here because they want to make the world a better place, and they are actively making that happen through their research, clinical practice, and teaching and learning. I was excited to join the college in 2017 because of its national reputation for research innovation, particularly in prevention science and evidence-based practice. Our faculty are recognized leaders whose work is shaping how schools, communities, and policymakers are addressing today’s most pressing issues in education and human development. What continues to inspire me is how closely this research is connected to real-world impact.
What has your career path looked like, and how has it prepared you to lead this college?
My career path has been shaped by my own interest in conducting research to improve lives. After earning my PhD in sociology with an emphasis in statistics, health, and criminology, I worked at an academic research institute conducting program evaluations and evidence syntheses focused on social and educational programs. Much of my work centered on understanding what works to prevent substance use and other challenges that affect youth and families. As I discovered the field of prevention science, I found a professional “home” that connected my interests in research with real-world impact. Over time, I had the opportunity to serve in research leadership roles at the institute, college, and university levels, helping to advance research and build partnerships to translate evidence into practice. That experience has prepared me well for leading a college as diverse and interdisciplinary as ours, and for leading one of the University of Oregon’s most research-active and influential academic units.
What are your top priorities for the college over the next few years?
My priorities for the college are centered on impact. First, I want to ensure we continue providing an exceptional educational experience that prepares future leaders in diverse human-serving professions. Second, I want to strengthen the college’s position as a national leader in research and innovation. Third, I want to deepen our partnerships with schools, tribes, community organizations, health providers, and other collaborators across Oregon and beyond. Our most meaningful work happens when we work alongside communities to address shared challenges and create new opportunities. Finally, I am committed to securing the resources needed to sustain and grow our impact, so that we can expand scholarships to support student success, offer fee waivers for clinical services to increase access, and invest in the faculty and staff who make our mission possible.
What qualities do you hope students develop during their time at the college?
I hope every student leaves our college as a purpose-driven leader and problem-solver who is prepared to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Our students develop the ability to think critically, evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions in complex situations. They learn how to work collaboratively, communicate across differences, and approach their work with integrity, empathy, and cultural humility. Just as important, our students leave with a strong sense of responsibility to the communities they serve and confidence in their ability to create meaningful change.