Tong named EPSY Department Head

After serving one year as interim department head, Dr. Fuhui Tong will now take over as head of the Department of Educational Psychology, effective June 1.

“I feel humbled by the trust and confidence our EPSY faculty, staff and students have placed in me. I am very grateful for this exciting opportunity to serve our department and look forward to learning more from and with our faculty, staff and students,” said Tong.

Tong considers her time as interim department head extremely valuable. She said she now better understands the challenges the department faces as well as opportunities to advance through collaboration and innovation.

She will continue working collaboratively with others in the college and will strive for open communication across departments. Her hope, she said, is that the college comes out stronger, both emotionally and physically, after the pandemic and moves forward together.

“My goal is to work closely with faculty, staff and students to refine our shared vision and develop strategic improvement plans that align with our college and university strategic goals,” Tong said. “These plans can guide us in nurturing and promoting an inclusive culture of excellence; enhancing undergraduate and graduate education embedded with high-impact learning experiences; and continuing a positive climate reinforcing the Aggie core values of excellence, integrity, leadership, loyalty, respect and selfless service. I am committed to serving our land grand mission, to leading our department in an effective, positive, fair and collaborative manner, and to continuing to elevate our national and international status.”

Tong received her Ph.D. in educational psychology from Texas A&M in 2006. After briefly serving as a research associate, she joined the faculty as an assistant professor in 2007. Since then, she served as associate/co-director of the Center for Research and Development on Dual Language and Literacy Acquisition, coordinator of the Bilingual Education Doctoral Program and division chair for Bilingual/ESL Education Programs.

Tong has authored or co-authored 21 funded external awards totaling more than $73 million. She has also contributed to a number of funded internal awards.

She said her research experience has prepared her to step up and help her colleagues within the department continue their highly recognized work and commitment to excellence.

“EPSY stands on a solid foundation that houses multiple highly-ranked academic programs, innovative research centers/labs/clinics and an exceptionally productive and recognized faculty, staff and students. I take great pride in being a member of this amazing department and I look forward to being part of EPSY’s continued response to the needs of our state and our nation,” said Tong.