Director of Mathematics and Science Education

Frederick (Rick) Vanosdall,
Director of Mathematics and Science Education

email:	vanosdal@mtsu.edu
office:	Room 102 Fairview Building
phone:	(615) 904-8573
fax:	(615) 907-9614
mail:	MTSU Box 82 Murfreesboro, TN 37132

    

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Mathematics and Science Education leads the STEM Education initiatives of the college and coordinates grant funded projects related to STEM Education P-20. The Director manages and leads the Tennessee Mathematics, Science, and Technology Education Center (TMSTEC) a STEM Education Center with a statewide mission. The Director also coordinates STEM education projects across the college and between the College of Basic and Applied Sciences and the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, as well as facilitating partnerships with other universities, and state and federal agencies. Additionally, the Director administers the Tennessee NASA Educator Resource Center.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Dr. Vanosdall earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Michigan State University, and his Master’s degree and Ed.D. at Arizona State University. He taught high school chemistry and biology in Mesa Arizona from 1984-1999.  In 1999 he accepted a central office position leading the professional development, assessment, and curriculum division in science education for Mesa Public Schools. He left Mesa Public Schools in 2003 to accept the position of Associate Director for Research at the Arizona K-12 Center, Northern Arizona University. In 2005, Dr. Vanosdall accepted a Research Director position at the Tennessee Board of Regents' Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences at Tennessee State University. From 2006-2008, Dr. Vanosdall was the Director of the Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences and expanded the funding level by $2.5M, and was Principal Investigator on an NSF award conducting randomized controlled trials in school districts across the country in science education and professional development.

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Dr. Vanosdall is married to Kim, and has a son, Grant (19), who is a student majoring in Theater here at MTSU, and a daughter, Wesley (16). Dr. Vanosdall enjoys spending time with his family, dog agility and obedience training, and looks forward to fishing, canoeing, and hiking.