Dr. McKnight Takes New Position at UMD as Dean’s Fellow and Superintendent in Residence

July 9th, 2024

The University of Maryland College of Education announced on Monday that Former MCPS Superintendent Dr. Monifa McKnight has been named as its inaugural Dean’s Fellow and Superintendent in Residence starting in August.

It appears this is a new role for the university. Dr. McKnight received a large settlement from MCPS after resigning from her position.

The press release stated that “In this new role, McKnight will support the development and implementation of special projects aligned with the College of Education’s strategic plan. She will focus on growing student engagement across academic programs and building partnerships across PK-20 to support student learning and school transformation. She will help strengthen the college’s relationships with school partners and state leaders, generate creative ideas and strategies to expand their educator pathway program and collaborate on existing partnerships that drive school improvement and reform.”

Both the University and Dr. McKnight posted about it on X (Formerly Twitter):

With 25+ yrs of experience in school administration and instructional leadership, @UMDCollegeofEd taps Monifa McKnight to serve as Dean’s Fellow. In this role, she will help the college strengthen its partnerships and expand its educator pathway programs: https://t.co/4EiIOh3ANY pic.twitter.com/IiD545glM0

— UMD College of Education (@UMDCollegeofEd) July 9, 2024

The news is out! I am so excited to join @umdcollegeofed as Superintendent in Residence and Dean's Fellow! As an alumna, it's a special honor to return and contribute to the future of education. #UMD #EdTerps #Education #MonifaMcKnight https://t.co/DIX60VEguo

— Dr. Monifa McKnight (@monifamcknight) July 9, 2024

Per the Washington Post article, “When asked what she learned during her time as superintendent, particularly in the aftermath of a law firm report that documented failures by senior management, she referred to the school system’s corrective action plan. ‘The plan to address what we learned was very strong, and my hope is that the system has continued to do that.'”

That article went on to say that “McKnight said her new role is a contracted position with the possibility of renewal. “I am just really, really proud to be returning to my alma mater and be serving in this position,” she said.

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