Paul Zionts was appointed dean of the College of Education in July 2009. Previously, he served as dean of the School of Education at the University of Michigan-Dearborn since 2005, professor and chair of educational foundations and special services at Kent State University, and professor at Central Michigan University.

In his new position, Zionts leads one of the largest schools of education in the Chicago area. DePaul's College of Education offers degree programs in early childhood education; elementary, secondary and physical education; special education; world language education; bilingual/bicultural education; curriculum studies; educational leadership; human services and counseling; and language, literacy and specialized instruction.

Zionts is the author, co-author or editor of five books and more than 25 articles and chapters. A professor of special education, his research interests include educating children and youth with emotional and behavioral disorders, cognitive behavioral interventions and classroom management.

While dean at University of Michigan-Dearborn, Zionts helped forge partnerships with organizations in the community. They included affiliations with two Southfield, Mich., public schools and the Oakwood Healthcare System to support programs for families, while enriching and expanding programming in the schools' child development and special education programs. He has held several national leadership positions, including president of the Council for Children with Behavior Disorders.

A native of Hartford, Conn., Zionts began his career teaching in a reform school and an inner-city high school, quickly becoming director of a successful program for juvenile delinquents. He earned his doctoral degree in educational psychology and special education from the University of Connecticut in 1979.