May 29, 2025
Contact: Christopher Ave, 573-882-9325, christopher.ave@missouri.edu
COLUMBIA, Mo. — University of Missouri Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Matthew Martens has announced the appointment of Kui Xie as dean and Joanne H. Hook Dean’s Chair in Educational Renewal in the College of Education and Human Development, effective July 1.
Xie brings to Mizzou an extraordinary record of visionary leadership, strategic growth and academic excellence from Michigan State University, where he serves as Red Cedar Distinguished Professor; professor of educational psychology and educational technology; and chair of the Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Special Education (CEPSE). Under his leadership, CEPSE emerged as a national powerhouse with four American Educational Research Association Fellows, three American Psychological Association Fellows and three members of the National Academy of Education, with 10 faculty ranked among the top 2% of scientists globally in 2024.
“Dr. Kui Xie is a transformational leader,” Martens said. “He has a proven ability to translate vision into impact — driving innovation, securing major research investments, establishing connections with school districts and industry, and fostering excellence. He will elevate the College of Education and Human Development to new heights and make a positive impact on education across the state of Missouri and beyond.”
At Mizzou, Xie plans to build on his record of success by strengthening partnerships with Missouri schools, expanding access to cutting-edge educational programs and amplifying the university’s mission.
“I am honored to join Mizzou and eager to serve the people of Missouri through bold, future-focused leadership,” Xie said. “As a land-grant institution, our mission is clear: to advance education, transform communities and empower the next generation of learners and leaders. I look forward to partnering with faculty, students and stakeholders across the state.”
As department chair at MSU’s CEPSE, Xie directed one of the most complex academic units in the College of Education — comprising five program areas and multiple nationally top-ranked specializations, including rehabilitation counseling (No. 2), educational psychology (No. 4), online instructional media design (No. 4) and online special education (No. 5), according to U.S. News & World Report.
In just two years, Xie strategically redefined research priorities, driving an unprecedented rise in funding, including $39.3 million in external proposals and $6.7 million in awards in 2024 alone. He played a key leadership role in advancing initiatives at the intersection of education and technology, helping to launch a tenure-track position in artificial intelligence and education, and spearheading the development of a cross-college Center for AI and Education Research.
Xie’s leadership extends beyond metrics, transforming departmental culture through community-building, collaborative innovation and strategic partnerships with Michigan school districts and businesses. He championed new academic programs aligned with the future of education: from learning experience design and clinical mental health counseling to a forthcoming master’s in data science and AI in education.
Before joining MSU, Xie was the Ted and Lois Cyphert Distinguished Professor at The Ohio State University, where he launched and scaled one of the nation’s top-ranked online master’s programs in learning technologies and built a thriving doctoral program from the ground up. His groundbreaking service course, Keys to Academic Success for Online Learners, impacted more than 1,500 students at OSU.
With over $30 million in funded research, $4.5 million of which he directly managed, service to more than 2,000 teachers and 15,000 students, and deep collaborations with schools across Ohio and Michigan, Xie exemplifies the spirit of translational research — bridging the gap between academic discovery and community impact.
Nationally, he is a fellow of the American Psychological Association and editor-in-chief of The Internet and Higher Education. His editorial leadership extends to the Journal of Educational Psychology and Contemporary Educational Psychology.
