Discover the Inspiring Vision of Our Education Dean: Transforming the Future of Learning

By Roger Ruvolo

When Karen Myers-Bowman took over as dean of Cal State Monterey Bay’s College of Education in 2023, her main goal was stability. The college had faced many leadership changes and financial struggles, which created uncertainty.

Fast forward two and a half years, and Myers-Bowman feels proud of the progress made. Not only has she brought stability, but she also led the development of the college’s first strategic plan. This plan, named “Purposeful Growth by 2030: Vision to Impact,” establishes a clear path for the college’s future while tackling funding challenges.

Myers-Bowman, who holds advanced degrees in child development and family studies from Purdue University, shares her insights about the college’s journey thus far.

Q: How have things changed under your leadership?

A: We’ve made strides in several areas. The strategic plan we created involved input from faculty, staff, students, and community members. This five-year roadmap outlines specific goals to enhance our region’s educational landscape. We’re actively launching initiatives from the plan while fostering financial responsibility among faculty and staff. They’ve shown resilience and creativity despite significant financial hardships.

Q: What are the college’s key strengths?

A: Our greatest assets are our dedicated faculty, staff, and enthusiastic students. Each undergraduate participates in service learning, helping them apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations. Our graduate students complete numerous clinical hours, contributing over 200,000 hours of community service each year. That’s an incredible mark of impact!

Q: What unique programs does the college offer?

A: We have several standout clinical programs that train future professionals while benefiting the community. For instance, our Center for Reading Diagnosis and Instruction has helped over 100 families annually since 2007, significantly boosting reading skills in students. On average, those who participate show a remarkable 25-50% improvement in reading each semester.

Additionally, our Clinic for Educational Supports enables graduate students in fields like School Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology to gain hands-on experience while serving the community. Surprisingly, we’ve seen a 57% increase in patient volume in Speech-Language Pathology between 2023 and 2024, treating complex conditions like aphasia and post-stroke speech issues. This not only responds to workforce gaps but also provides essential services to families who need them most.

Q: How is the college handling recent funding changes?

A: We’ve lost over $10 million in federal grants since 2025. This has forced us to scale back programs, which is disheartening, especially since some of that funding was for student scholarships. Yet, our faculty remains committed and creative. We’ve also formed a strong College of Education Champions Council composed of community members dedicated to finding new resources.

Q: What are your current focuses?

A: Right now, I’m focused on implementing our strategic plan and cultivating a supportive environment. I’m actively seeking funding and building relationships with local communities and alumni.

Q: Where do you envision the college in three years?

A: In three years, I hope to see our vision realized. We’re considering expanding our teaching credential offerings in areas like physical education, art, and early childhood education. Additionally, we plan to launch a new interdisciplinary studies major in Fall 2026 for students who have earned credits but haven’t completed a degree. Our strategic plan will continue to guide us, and I believe we will keep transforming lives through quality education.

This commitment to both stability and innovation reflects a growing trend in higher education. Many colleges are now prioritizing community outreach and support as essential parts of their mission, especially in times of financial uncertainty. With the right strategies and dedication, institutions like Cal State Monterey Bay can make a lasting impact.

For more in-depth insights on the current state of education funding, you can check out this government report.

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