The Mississippi State University Department of Educational Leadership recently welcomed a new face to lead the department.
Eric Moyen started at MSU in July, coming from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee, where he had served in several capacities over 13 years, most recently as assistant vice president for academic affairs.
He has also served as a professor of education, chair of the Lee University Health, Exercise Science and Secondary Education Department and director of first-year programs at Lee. He holds a bachelor’s from Taylor University, master’s from the University of Alabama and doctorate from the University of Kentucky. He replaces interim department head Ed Davis.
“I’m very interested as head of educational leadership to not only prepare educational leaders, but to find ways that MSU can aid the Mississippi Department of Education and state government on developing successful education policy,” Moyen said.
Moyen said he hoped to expand the department’s impact on pre-K through 12 leadership and expand its community college leadership program. He also said the department has instituted a new doctoral program in higher education leadership.
“I want the department to be a place where educational leaders in the state can come seek assistance for challenges they face,” Moyen said.
Moyen was drawn to MSU by the desire to work at a research university and land-grant institution.
“MSU truly is the people’s university,” Moyen said. “It takes its mission to serve the entire state seriously.”
Moyen and his wife, Missy, have two eighth-grade daughters, Anna Grace and Emmy. He is a native of Lexington, Kentucky.
“I have been impressed with all the talented individuals, but especially how kind and welcoming MSU and Starkville are," Moyen said.
The department is a component of the MSU College of Education. It offers programs dedicated to training administrators, teachers and other education professionals for leadership roles in various educational settings.