BELTON, Texas—The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) has selected Dr. Craig Hammonds as its new Dean of the College of Education. He will officially begin his new role on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
Hammonds has been a member of the UMHB faculty for nearly 13 years. He holds a Master in Teaching from City University of Seattle and a Doctorate in Education from UMHB. He also has a Post-Graduate Principal Certificate from Tarleton State University.
Hammonds began serving as director for UMHB’s Master of Education program in 2012 and, in 2018, began serving as the Associate Dean of the College of Education.
In addition, Hammonds is a member of the Texas Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, Association of Teacher Educators, Texas Association of School Administrators, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association, Association of Teacher Educators, and the Texas Association of Teacher Educators.
“Dr. Hammonds brings great experience and knowledge to his new role, having served as a teacher for five years, an assistant principal for six years, and a principal for two years. I am confident he will be an excellent leader for the College of Education,” UMHB Provost Dr. John Vassar said. “We are excited about the addition of Dr. Hammonds to our leadership team and look forward to the new year.”
In addition to his professional work, Hammonds has served as a representative on the Ethics Commission for the City of Belton, a Family Advisory Council member for the McLane Children’s Scott & White Hospital, a member of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor alumni board, a board member of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – Central Texas Chapter, and as a volunteer for the Hope for the Hungry organization. Hammonds also serves as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Belton. He and his wife Megan have two daughters, Mylie and Chloe. Megan teaches in Belton ISD and is in her 21st year of service as an educator. Mylie is a freshman engineering major at Texas A&M University, and Chloe is a freshman at Belton High School.
