The university has announced that Dr. Gary Railsback has accepted an offer to become the next Dean of the School of Education. He currently serves as chair of the Educational Foundations and Leadership Department and as director of the doctoral program at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore.

"Dr. Railsback brings a deep commitment to Christian higher education and the role an institution like Point Loma plays in shaping the teachers who will shape the coming generation,” said John Hawthorne, PLNU provost. “His recent experiences in doctoral programs at George Fox will be very helpful as Point Loma continues to explore programs for the future. He will be a wonderful addition to our quality education faculty."

Railsback has been part of teacher education programs at three Christian institutions prior to joining Point Loma. He also has experience as an admissions counselor. Railsback’s most recent experience of leading the doctorate program at George Fox and his role in advancing Fox’s NCATE accreditation are particularly timely for Point Loma.

Railsback will officially begin his duties on July 1, 2008 but will visit campus once a month to participate in planning activities through this spring.

PLNU’s School of Education works hand-in-hand with school districts to design challenging coursework in high priority content areas. As a result, its credential and advanced degree graduates are held in high esteem by public schools, private schools, and charter schools serving diverse student populations. PLNU’s School of Education offers graduate and credential programs at four regional centers: San Diego-Mission Valley, Los Angeles-Arcadia, Bakersfield, and the Inland Empire.


Eric Yates
Media Relations Officer
(619) 849-7186
eyates@pointloma.edu