NIU’s Educational Psychology, Counseling and Special Education Department named a new chairwoman.

Susan Ann Vogel was selected for the position by an eight member committee consisting of two members from each section of the department, a student representative and Charles Stegman dean of NIU’s College of Education.

The selection was made after a national search produced 12 to 15 applicants.

“We’re very pleased that Mrs. Vogel is joining us. She had strong support from the committee and we’re looking forward to working with her,” Stegman said.

Vogel is replacing retired chairman Marvin Powell who was department chairman for 29 years.

Donald Ary was acting chairman for the past year and was also one of the applicants for the job.

“There have been no major changes during the year,” Ary said, and he had nothing but praise for the department. “We have more grant money than any other department (at NIU) and we have more journal articles than any other department in the country,” Ary said. “Keep up the good work.”

Vogel begins a four year term at NIU in August. In addition to her duties at the university she will continue to be editor of the journal “Learning Disabilities Focus.”

“I will continue with research and development while providing leadership for the department,” she said.

She said she hopes the department will “continue to be productive in research and scholarships and maintain the fine reputation that the department has achieved.”