Shermis named dean at Akron college

Professor Mark Shermis, former chair of education psychology at the COE, has been named dean of the University of Akron’s College of Education. He will be leaving UF and assuming his new position at the end of spring semester.

"While Mark was only with us for a few years, his leadership as chair of the former department of educational psychology clearly indicated we made the right choice to bring him to UF," said Dean Catherine Emihovich. "We regret his departure, but his strong leadership and research experience should prove beneficial in his new position."

A pioneer in the use of computerized testing as a research tool in the social sciences, Shermis’ first book, Using Microcomputers in Social Science Research, was one of the earliest texts on the subject. In 2003 he co-edited Automated Essay Scoring: A Cross-Disciplinary Approach, and his research focus has remained on computerized testing and includes his contributions to a Jan. 2, 2009 edition of a Science magazine article titled "Computers as Writing Instructors."

Before coming to UF in 2006, Shermis was a professor of educational and psychological studies and associate dean for research and grants at Florida International University’s College of Education.