New Dean at UI&U Florida Center

DR. BERYL WATNICK NAMED DEAN OF
UNION INSTITUTE & UNIVERSITY’S FLORIDA CENTER
Dr. Marie Bogat, current dean of Florida’s undergraduate programs, will resume her role as a full-time faculty member

NORTH MIAMI BEACH, FL – Union Institute & University (UI&U) today announced that Dr. Beryl Watnick has been appointed dean of undergraduate programs for UI&U’s Florida Academic Center. Dr. Watnick takes over from Dr. Marie Bogat, longtime dean of the undergraduate program, who will resume her role as a full-time faculty member.

“Beryl is a dedicated member of the educational community in southern Florida and brings a creative touch to help educators in all stages of their careers, from earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree to professional preparation,” said Dr. Roger Sublett, President of UI&U. “She is an invaluable resource for South Florida educators, and she will serve our learners well.”

A 1996 alumna of UI&U’s doctoral program, Dr. Watnick joined UI&U in 2001 to develop and lead UI&U’s Florida Master of Education and Education Specialist programs. She has worked across degree programs to include the undergraduate program, the Master of Education, and the doctoral programs in her efforts to recruit and train southern Florida’s teachers and administrators. A member of several professional organizations, she has published and presented both nationally and internationally.

Prior to joining UI&U, Dr. Watnick served as an administrator with Miami-Dade County Public Schools supervising family literacy programs in school sites and programs housed in the migrant community and a women’s correctional facility. In this role, she was responsible for monitoring 50 staff people who provided services to 350 families. In addition, she wrote and was awarded several major state and federal grants while working for the school district.

Dr. Marie Bogat has served as dean since 2001, and as faculty since 1993. In her role as dean of the Florida Center, she fostered increased visibility for the university throughout Florida, and strengthened relationships between the university and area school districts. “While focused on Union’s reputation and connections in the community, Dr. Bogat has never lost sight of the individual learner and his or her success,” said UI&U Provost, Dr. Richard Hansen. “Under her guidance, countless graduates have earned positions in the school district’s classrooms and administration, and many have gone on to earn both masters and doctoral degrees, many through Union’s M.Ed. and Ph.D. programs. Her leadership will be missed, but we, along with our many learners, are grateful that she will be staying on as faculty.”