Dr. Maribel Gárate-Estes, G-’97 & PhD ’07, has been appointed Dean of the Faculty at Gallaudet University, effective April 27, 2026, after more than 27 years of dedicated service to the institution. In this role, she will provide strategic academic leadership for the faculty, guide initiatives that strengthen teaching and scholarship, and collaborate closely with academic and administrative units across the university to advance Gallaudet’s mission.
Dr. Gárate-Estes is a tenured professor in the Department of Education and a nationally and internationally recognized scholar in bilingual Deaf education. Her research focuses on sign bilingual pedagogy, translanguaging, and literacy development for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, with a particular emphasis on classroom practices that honor and leverage the full linguistic resources of Deaf learners. She has contributed to the field through numerous publications, invited presentations, and collaborations that support educators and programs committed to high-quality bilingual education.
Throughout her career at Gallaudet, Dr. Gárate-Estes has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to shared governance. She has served as Chair of the Department of Education, the Council of Graduate Education, and the Faculty Professional Development Committee, among other key roles. In each of these positions, she has been a thoughtful and collaborative partner, fostering inclusive decision-making, supporting faculty growth, and championing policies and practices that promote academic quality and equity.
Dr. Gárate-Estes is also widely respected for her work beyond the university. Her scholarship has been published nationally and internationally, and she is a frequent presenter and consultant, working with educators, schools, and governmental agencies across the United States and abroad. As a Fulbright Scholar, she has contributed to international dialogues on Deaf education and bilingualism, and she continues to serve as a resource to institutions seeking to strengthen educational outcomes for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Her recent recognition as Gallaudet University’s Distinguished Faculty Award recipient for 2024–2025 underscores the impact of her teaching, research, and service on our campus community. Colleagues and students alike describe her as a generous mentor, an innovative educator, and a steadfast advocate for faculty and students. She brings to the Dean of the Faculty role a strong commitment to academic excellence, faculty support, and student success, grounded in her long-standing engagement with Gallaudet’s bilingual mission.
As Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Gárate-Estes will lead efforts to support faculty development at all career stages, promote inclusive and accessible learning environments, and strengthen the integration of teaching, research, and service across programs. She will work closely with the Provost, deans, department chairs, and faculty governance bodies to advance strategic priorities, support new academic initiatives, and ensure that Gallaudet continues to be a leader in bilingual education for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Maribel Gárate-Estes on her appointment as Dean of the Faculty and in welcoming her to this important leadership role. We look forward to the vision, experience, and collaborative spirit she will bring to this position as we continue to build a vibrant academic community at Gallaudet University.
