Dr. Maribel Gárate-Estes named interim Dean of the Faculty

Gallaudet professor Dr. Maribel Gárate-Estes, G-’97 & PhD ’07, has been appointed as Interim Dean of the Faculty. Her term will take place August 4, 2025 through August 2026.

Dr. Gárate-Estes, a long-standing faculty member in the Department of Education, has more than 27 years of service with Gallaudet University. A tenured professor and a national and international leader in bilingual Deaf education, Dr. Gárate-Estes has led transformative work across teaching, research, and service. Her deep commitment to Gallaudet’s bilingual mission and to inclusive, student-centered faculty development makes her exceptionally well-suited for this role. 

She previously served as Chair of the Department of Education for six years, and has been an active leader across campus, including her work as Chair of the Council of Graduate Education, Chair of the Faculty Professional Development Committee, and her mentoring of both students and newer faculty. She is a Fulbright Scholar, an award-winning educator, and a frequent speaker and advisor on bilingual education worldwide.

“I am honored to serve as Interim Dean of the Faculty and support the outstanding work of our faculty across the university,” says Dr. Gárate-Estes. “During this transition, I look forward to fostering collaboration, enhancing inclusive faculty practices, and ensuring meaningful academic experiences for our students that uphold Gallaudet’s bilingual mission.”

The interim dean was selected through a quick but rigorous internal process led by a screening committee composed of representatives from Faculty Governance, the schools, and administration. Gallaudet thanks the screening committee for their thoughtful and timely work during this process: 

• Professor Emilia Chukwuma, ’84
• Dr. beth gibbons 
• Dr. Geoffrey Whitebread, ’04 & G-’06
  
  Special thanks also to Dr. Tonya Stremlau, who participated in the early stages.

Says Gallaudet Provost Dr. Khadijat K. Rashid, ’90, “Congratulations to Dr. Gárate-Estes! I look forward to working alongside her as we continue to strengthen and support our academic mission.”