Getting to Know: Dean de Miranda

After six years of serving as Professor, Department Head, Acting Dean and Interim Dean, Dr. Michael A. de Miranda has been appointed Dean of the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at Texas A&M University. “Whenever we are called upon to help lead others, it is humbling endeavor,” Dr. de Miranda said after learning the news. “The notion that becoming Dean was coming from the faculty and staff made the moment so much more special.”

Dr. de Miranda’s education career spans 40+ years, dating back to his time as an Associate Professor at Compton Community College in Compton, California. He also served a decade as a secondary education teacher before dedicating his time to higher learning. “Ask any faculty member how they feel when they see a person they have watched grow since they were an undergraduate earn a Ph.D. There’s a whole lot of hard work, tears, and earned accomplishment going on in between,” he said.

Dr. de Miranda served as a faculty member at California State University and Colorado State University before joining Texas A&M in 2016 as Professor, Claude H. Everett, Jr. ’47 Endowed Chair and Head of the Department of Teaching, Learning & Culture (TLAC).

On September 1, 2021, he became Interim Dean of CEHD – overseeing TLAC and the Departments of Educational Administration & Human Resource Development, Educational Psychology and Kinesiology & Sport Management. The announcement came during a time of challenges impacting the nation and the School, including the uncertainties of COVID-19. “My responsibility was to become each person’s Interim Dean and lead them to understand that at least here at work and school everything was going to be okay,” he said.

Dr. de Miranda is proud of how CEHD has led the implementation of several key recommendations from the Path Forward, a reorganization plan set forth by Texas A&M University President M. Katherine Banks. The implementation includes transitioning CEHD’s health education programs, faculty and staff from the renamed Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management to the School of Public Health, collaboratively administering and transitioning the Technology Management degree in partnership with the College of Engineering and transitioning a Dance concentration to the new School of Visual and Performing Arts.

He is also excited about CEHD’s commitment to early childhood education. Future plans include establishing a new Institute for Early Childhood Development and Education, a new educator certification program and a Bachelor of Science degree in early childhood development and unifying the Becky Gates and Charlotte Sharp Children’s Centers into university lab schools to serve as clinical practice sites for teaching and research.

Outside the campus, Dr. de Miranda enjoys fly fishing, running, taking long walks, and playing his Martin guitar. “It gives me a sense of relaxation and peace,” he said. “I’m not very good at it, but when you’re alone…you start to sound pretty good to yourself!” He also values his family, calling them the most precious part of his life. He wants to help everyone in CEHD achieve the hopes and dreams they have for their families.

Dr. de Miranda has a message of unity and appreciation for the School. “Let us each resolve to be there for each other, take care of each other, reach out to each other and help guide, support and challenge our students to become Difference Makers,” he said. “In closing, two of the most powerful words anyone can say are, “Thank you.” So easy to say, but so often overlooked. Indeed, I remain grateful and humbled to work alongside each of you, every day.”

As Dean of the College of Education and Human Development, Dr. de Miranda has been awarded the Reta Haynes Endowed Dean’s Chair for Scholarship Enrichment. To learn more about this honor, click here.