News Article

Gonzaga University announces the selection of education Associate Professor Jon Sunderland as the new dean of the Gonzaga School of Education. The assignment becomes effective June 1. Until then, Sunderland will continue serving as interim dean.

 Sunderland replaces Shirley Williams, who became dean in June 2002 and stepped down in July 2006 to become provost and professor of education at Alvernia College, in Reading, Pa. Sunderland, who received his doctorate in physical education from the University of Oregon, has been interim dean since Williams resigned. Sunderland has been on the Gonzaga faculty as a professor and chair of the department of sport and physical education since 1979. He has served as assistant, associate and interim dean of the School of Education.

Sunderland earned a bachelor’s degree in social science and a master’s degree in secondary education from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo. Before becoming a professor, he taught in high school in California.

Sunderland’s wife, Debbie, is a middle school teacher in Spokane. His daughter, Alec, is a high school sophomore.

            For more information, please contact Sunderland at (509) 323-3594.