Houghton’s president, Wayne D. Lewis, Jr., a former classroom teacher, education professor, education school dean and state commissioner of education, shared his excitement about Vanasse’s appointment and his intention to continue investment in Houghton’s historically strong programs in education and psychology. “It is a privilege to welcome Dr. Vanasse to ����ɬ to provide leadership for our programs in education and behavioral science,” said Lewis. “Houghton’s niche in educator preparation and psychology is preparing Christians to serve in diverse settings in a manner that is consistent with their Christian faith and in alignment with the needs and expectations of their settings and those they serve. Christians don’t have to compromise their faith to serve diverse students and clients well. Dr. Vanasse’s leadership will be instrumental in strengthening and expanding Houghton’s education and behavioral science programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, while maintaining Houghton’s enduring commitment to Christ-centered education.”

Throughout the selection process, Vanasse demonstrated her ability to understand the challenges facing today’s students and educators and use educator preparation and professional learning to prepare teachers to face those challenges with skill and compassion. With a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst with a concentration in Teacher Education and School Improvement, alongside an M.S.Ed. from Montana State University-Northern and a B.A. in Elementary Education and Biblical Studies from Trinity Bible College, Vanasse brings a robust educational and theological foundation to the role.

“Dr. Vanasse brings nearly two decades of experience as a professor and administrator in higher education in both public and Christ-centered institutions,” said David Davies, Provost and Dean of the Faculty. “Dr. Vanasse articulates a clear vision for training Christian young people for lives of service and leadership as educators in a variety of contexts. We look forward to supporting her in that calling as the inaugural Ellen F. Donley Dean of Education and Behavioral Science, and to seeing how God will use her leadership to further establish ����ɬ as the Northeast’s preeminent choice for teacher education from a Christ-centered perspective.”

Vanasse currently serves as Assistant Professor of Education at Carroll College in Helena, Montana, following previous roles at Eastern Nazarene College and Mount Vernon Nazarene University, where she has specialized in teacher education with a focus on culturally responsive teaching methods and effective approaches to classroom instruction. She also served for nearly a decade in K-12 public education as a classroom teacher, grant coordinator and professional and faculty developer. As a federally enrolled Native American tribal member of the Gros Ventre tribe from the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in Montana, Vanasse also has a passion for Native American education. She would like to be a part of strengthening and expanding Houghton’s relationships with New York’s Native American communities.

Strengthening a Legacy of Success to Meet Future Needs

Vanasse builds on a solid foundation of Houghton’s leadership in education, including more than 850 alumni serving as teachers and educational leaders throughout New York, Pennsylvania and Ontario. With exceptional programs in psychology and teacher education, Houghton continues to attract students from across the Northeast at a time when there has never been a greater need in the region for highly effective, values-centered educators and practitioners committed to serving students and families well. The University recently expanded its educational offerings through the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) in Adolescent Education program, designed specifically to open pathways for more individuals to become Christian educators in today’s challenging educational landscape.

“This program paired with Dr. Vanasse’s leadership represents not just a response to the critical teacher shortage, but a powerful opportunity to prepare educators who can navigate today’s complex educational environments while standing firm in their Christian convictions,” concluded Lewis. “These graduates go on to be more than teachers: they are fearless ambassadors for Jesus Christ who will transform education while honoring the families and communities they serve.”

30-39 Credits

Leading to certification in grades 7-12

12 Months

Time to completion with full-time study

Fully Online

With local student teaching placement

Multiple Start Dates

Beginning fall 2025

$575

Per credit hour

“This new M.A.T. program builds upon Houghton’s century-long legacy of preparing exceptional educators for Christian, public and private school classrooms,” said Houghton President Wayne D. Lewis, Jr. “The need has never been greater for teachers who are grounded in their Christian faith, well-prepared to meet the complex needs of an increasingly diverse population of students, and who serve students and families with compassion and integrity. While there continues to be a teacher shortage in some areas, children don’t need just any teachers. Children need teachers grounded in truth and love, who will do whatever it takes to provide an extraordinary education for their students. Houghton continues to prepare those teachers for New York, the Northeast, Canada and the world.”

The program leads to both initial and professional New York State certification, combining research-based coursework with hands-on classroom experience in students’ local communities. Participants will develop expertise in content-specific teaching methods while learning to create dynamic learning environments for adolescent learners.

����ɬ has been preparing aspiring educators, education administrators, professors, clinical psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, and related careers since its accreditation as a four-year liberal arts institution over 100 years ago. The School of Education and Behavioral Science offers undergraduate degrees in Adolescence Education, Inclusive Adolescence Education, Inclusive Childhood Education, Psychology, and Behavioral Neuroscience; and graduate degrees in Literacy Education and Adolescent Education. Nearly 20% of the current student body is pursuing a degree offered within the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences.

“����ɬ has long been a leader in teacher education and the behavioral sciences,” stated Provost David Davies ‘01. “Houghton graduates have taught in countless classrooms and led schools with distinction throughout New York State and the region for decades, and our behavioral science programs are among the most established and distinguished in Christian higher education. This transformative gift acknowledges that history while also positioning the University to reach new levels of excellence in these vital fields.  Our new Ellen F. Donley Dean of Education and Behavioral Science chair will be an essential member of our academic leadership team, serving on the Deans’ Council and leading some of the largest programs on campus.”