Rory Tannebaum, PhD, has been appointed chair of the Department of Teaching and Leading at Augusta University’s College of Education and Human Development. He brings 15 years of academic experience to the role and has outlined plans to foster connection, research, and student engagement within the department.
“I’m excited to be here. It’s a good place to be,” Tannebaum said. “I’ve met some wonderful people, and I genuinely have felt remarkably supported.”
Tannebaum is originally from Marietta, Georgia. He completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees in teaching at the University of Georgia before earning a doctorate in curriculum and instruction with a focus on social studies education. Before joining Augusta University, he worked for nearly ten years at Merrimack College in Massachusetts, where he served as assistant professor, associate professor, and later as chair of the Department of Education.
His approach to leadership is rooted in building relationships and providing support. “One of the main reasons I got into teaching was because I like getting to know people. I like to help them, and I enjoy being part of an immersive experience where you’re working toward something good,” he explained. “Being a chair allows you to do that in many of the same ways teaching does. I get to work with a lot of people, some who are brand new and some who’ve been doing this for years, but everyone needs support along the way.”
He also emphasized his commitment to engaging with students beyond formal settings. “My favorite thing in education is interacting with students, especially in less formal settings,” he said. “Whether it’s attending campus events or supporting them at their games, I love getting involved. Students are the backbone of the institution, and I want them to feel like they’re part of a community here.”
Tannebaum aims to enhance visibility among faculty members by promoting their research efforts within the department. “Promoting a level of visibility for everyone matters, even if it’s just sending an email to a couple of people who don’t usually interact,” he said. “As department chair, I see your research. I see your hard work. I want to connect people so they know who’s in their department and who might be able to mentor them. It’s about connecting people and ideas. A collaborative culture only exists if everyone is engaging with one another, and I think my job as chair is to help make that happen,” he added.
Supporting both traditional and online learners is another area Tannebaum wants to address. He noted that online students often feel less connected: “Historically, students taking online or asynchronous classes are excellent students, but they often don’t feel as connected to campus,” he said. “I want to find ways to give them more opportunities to engage beyond just emails and modules. It’s about helping them understand that AU, and the Department of Teaching and Leading, truly values their experience and wants them to benefit from the full scope of our programs.”
When it comes to advancing faculty research across different career stages, Tannebaum adopts a tailored approach: “If we have first-year PhD students, doctoral completers or new assistant professors, my job is to ensure they feel supported,” he said. “That support can come in the form of financial assistance, time to focus on research or just guidance on how to navigate the academic world.” For tenured faculty members: “My goal is to help them grow their research impact in ways that benefit them, their work and the university,” he said. “It’s about making sure they still have the time and freedom to do the work they’re passionate about.”
Judi Wilson, EdD, dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Augusta University expressed confidence in Tannebaum’s appointment: “Dr. Tannebaum brings both experience and a collaborative spirit that aligns beautifully with our college’s mission,” she said. “His student-centered approach, commitment to faculty development and vision for strengthening research and partnerships make him a tremendous asset to the Department of Teaching and Leading.”
Tannebaum stated his intention is ongoing support for colleagues within his department: “This department is full of passionate educators and scholars, and I’m here to support them, connect them and help us grow together,” he said. “It’s a great place to be, and I’m truly glad to be part of it.”
