State Board approves UNH elimination of Education Studies (DEI) bachelor program and requires teach-out for 11 enrolled candidates

The State Board of Education on Oct. 24 approved the University of New Hampshire’s request to eliminate several undergraduate teacher-preparation programs, including the Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies with an equity, diversity and inclusion (DEI) emphasis, and related Professional Education Programs (PEPs), effective Jan. 31, 2027.

Laura Stoneking, administrator for the Bureau of Educator Preparation and Higher Education at the New Hampshire Department of Education, introduced UNH staff in the room and said the change is procedural — a substantive change to program approvals that affects terms of those approvals. Stoneking said the proposed elimination affects 11 currently matriculated candidates and therefore requires a teach-out plan to protect enrolled learners.

University presenters — including Catherine McCurdy (identified as a UNH faculty/director involved in teacher education), Dr. Michelle Dillon (dean, College of Liberal Arts) and other UNH officials — told the Board that the university’s review found limited institutional resources, staff turnover, and a strategic preference to strengthen programs at levels where UNH historically has had the greatest capacity (notably master’s-level programs and work via the UNH College of Professional Studies after UNH’s merger with Granite State College).

UNH presenters said the Education Studies (DEI) bachelor required additional credit loads in some options (a dual-major path and integrated-license model), which increased complexity for students and for program delivery. Faculty and administrators also described coordination options across New Hampshire institutions and the College of Professional Studies (CPS) at UNH that provide alternative pathways to baccalaureate-level licensure. UNH representatives said enrollment for the closed pathway had been modest and that pipelines had been paused; however, 11 students had matriculated and will need teach-out protections.

Board members pressed UNH about whether the DEI content had been presented to prospective students as “infused throughout every course” — a phrasing one member quoted from UNH publicity — and UNH faculty clarified that “inclusion” intended for the program was a broad focus on serving diverse learners and aligning coursework with approved state standards and educator expectations, not an ideological mandate. UNH said it would decouple branding and clarify major names; presenters said the BA will continue as a non-PEP BA in education for students who do not pursue teacher licensure at the undergraduate level.

Stoneking outlined the teach-out requirements: the university must submit a teach-out plan listing every course a candidate needs, any outstanding licensure requirements, and documentation that the Department will use to verify program completion; she said the Department’s administrative rules require teach-out plans to protect students when a program closes. UNH stated it would continue advising the 11 matriculated students, support them on licensure steps (criminal background checks, content testing, placements) and coordinate with the Department to document program completion and licensure recommendations.

Board motion and outcome: A motion to approve UNH’s proposed eliminations and to require that teach-out plans be submitted within 90 days passed with the Board’s approval. The motion specified an effective elimination date of Jan. 31, 2027, and required UNH to file the teach-out plan for the 11 matriculated candidates within 90 days of Board approval.

Ending: Board members said they expect documentation of the teach-out and asked the Department to verify that the 11 candidates receive advising and that program completion records be entered into the state educator information system so candidates can apply for licensure.