Get to know Interim Dean, Dr. Eric Anderman

Dr. Eric Anderman, professor in the Department of Educational Studies, has been appointed as interim dean and director of the Mansfield campus. Dr. Anderman is an experienced academic leader who will be an advocate for our students, faculty, and staff. He will continue the work of advancing teaching, learning, research, and service on campus and in the community. He began his role at Mansfield on July 1.

Dean Anderman is married to Dr. Lynley Anderman, a professor of Educational Psychology at Ohio State University. They have resided in Worthington, OH for the last 15 years. Together, they have 2 (grown) children – one is a music teacher and another is a current college student. The Anderman family are also dog-lovers, having several four-legged children - better known as Frodo and Cody.

When asked about his favorite part about Ohio State Mansfield, Anderman said,

“The people…I mean that sincerely. I am impressed everyday with the enthusiasm everyone has, and the love of this campus.”

Anderman grew up in New York City and the surrounding suburbs. After completing his PhD in Educational Psychology at the University of Michigan, he went on to serve as faculty at University of Kentucky from 1994-2007. Since coming to The Ohio State University in 2007, Anderman has also served in administrative roles for 10 years.

Dr. Anderman served as the inaugural chair of the Department of Educational Studies from 2013-2019. As chair, he finalized the integration of the School of Educational Policy and Leadership and School of Physical Activity and Educational Services into one cohesive department within the College of Education and Human Ecology. The department has been home to several top-ranked education programs featured in U.S. News & World Report. Anderman previously directed the School of Educational Policy and Leadership from 2009-2012.

A professor of educational psychology, Anderman studies academic motivation and risk-taking, focusing on academic cheating, the effects of school transitions on motivation, and HIV and pregnancy prevention in adolescent populations. He is a fellow of both the American Educational Research Association and the American Psychological Association, in which he has served as former president of Division 15 (the educational psychology division) and as chair of the Coalition for Psychology in the Schools.

These experiences have given Anderman excitement about moving Mansfield campus initiatives forward while he serves his interim role on campus.

Anderman has his eyes fixed on the horizon for Ohio State Mansfield. With many academic and community-based initiatives upcoming, Anderman said,

“The future is very bright. I see so many opportunities for growth already, and each day I am learning more and more about the possibilities.”