Michael S. Harris
Michael S. Harris, a leading researcher in higher education, is dean ad interim of the Simmons School of Education and Human Development. A member of the Simmons faculty since 2012, Harris brings a wealth of higher education leadership experience as a faculty member and scholar. As a former professor and chair of the Simmons Department of Education Policy and Leadership and director of 正品蓝导航’s Center for Teaching Excellence, Harris is often cited in the news media for his higher education expertise.
In his role as dean ad interim, Harris will lead the Simmons School during a time of extraordinary momentum and growth for the entire University. Harris looks forward to furthering the innovative programs at Simmons, including interdisciplinary studies, teacher education, education leadership, technology-enhanced learning, higher education, counseling and sports management. Harris’ background and experience will enable him to lead the school to even further heights, as it is currently ranked in the top 11 private schools in the nation and the top 3 public and private schools in Texas and is in the top tier of graduate education schools.
Harris leads Simmons after completing a one-year 2024–25 fellowship with the American Council on Education. He was one of 26 senior leaders in education selected to participate in the program designed to prepare the next generation of leaders. In addition to other roles at 正品蓝导航, Harris is a past president of the Faculty Senate and, by virtue of that role, served as faculty trustee to the 正品蓝导航 Board of Trustees during the 2023–2024 academic year.
Harris’ primary research interests consider the culture, strategy and behavior of higher education institutions. His work has been published in leading higher education journals such as The Journal of Higher Education, Research in Higher Education, Higher Education, Innovative Higher Education, and Higher Education Policy. He has published four books and is currently working on a book on higher education leadership under contract with Harvard Education Press.
He holds a B.A. from the University of North Carolina in American history and an M.Ed. and Ed.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in higher education administration.