Deborah Slaton

Deborah Bott Slaton has been named associate dean for research and graduate studies for the University of Kentucky College of Education.  Slaton, however, is no stranger to the college.  She joined the faculty in 1984 and was most recently the chair of the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling.

“I am eager to apply what I have learned in my own department over the years to the College as a whole,” said Slaton when asked about her new responsibilities.  “But I am also excited about working with our current faculty and students to expand the research we are conducting in our College.”

In her new role, Slaton will coordinate research within the college, as well as grant and fellowship opportunities for graduate students and faculty, and graduate-level programs.  She will also oversee new faculty orientation, which is one of Slaton’s self-proclaimed favorite responsibilities.

“I am especially excited to work with our new faculty,” said Slaton.  “I want to give them the support they need to be as successful as possible and help them have the careers they dream of.”

Slaton has regularly taught undergraduate and graduate courses over the past 23 years.  Her career-long focus has always been on special education and teaching children and adults who have learning disabilities.

She explains that her new responsibilities will afford her the opportunity to continue teaching in a different way.  Slaton will be consulting with faculty across each of the six departments within the college.  Her goal is to help the faculty better prepare UK’s teacher education students to feel comfortable teaching children and adolescents who live with disabilities.

“Throughout their careers, all teachers can expect to have students with disabilities in their classrooms,” said Slaton.

Updated on June 26, 2007 8:34 by the Webmaster - Content by Brad Duncan