PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Sept. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- World Education University (pronounced "we-you"), the first tuition-free, global, online higher education institution designed to provide comprehensive course offerings and full degrees to students, today announced the signing of its initial academic leadership team. Joining WEU, which has originated the term "Education Should Be Free" (ESBF), are 10 faculty representing the positions of University President, Deans of the Schools of Medicine and Health, Education, Psychology, Engineering, Law, and Arts, and Directors of Curriculum, Education Design and Standards and Compliance. WEU executives are still in the process of recruiting a Dean for the School of Business.

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"We are honored to be welcoming this top-caliber group of higher education professionals to the WEU staff," says Curtis Pickering, WEU Co-Founder and Chairman/CEO. "These individuals, established leaders and practitioners in both academia and private - sector worlds, share WEU's dedication to transforming higher education to reflect a more inclusive, equitable environment. Among our faculty are experts in the high needs areas of STEM, differentiated learning, business entrepreneurship, management, and educational leadership who are poised to help students achieve a solid academic education that also includes mastery of the 21st century skills employers say are crucial to success in today's workplace."

New faculty include:

Dr. James Waddell University President, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Jim Waddell holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Philosophical Theology from the University of Oxford, is a Foundation Fellow of Harris Manchester College, Oxford University, and Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturing, and Commerce. Dr. Waddell has taught at Princeton, been president of Menlo College in California, and as president of the Waddell Group, assisted colleges, universities, and corporations in launching, developing, and expanding programs in management, humanities, and education.

Dr. Sally Kilgore Dean of the School of Education Dr. Sally Kilgore is former Director of the Office of Research for the U.S. Department of Education, co-principal investigator of a National Science Foundation study of mathematics and science achievement, founder and former CEO of Modern Red School House, and author of the recent book From Silos to Systems. She has served on the faculties of several universities, including Emory University. Dr. Kilgore holds a doctorate in sociology from the University of Chicago and has an undergraduate degree from Baylor University.

Dr. Penny Orr Dean of the School of Psychology Dr. Penny Orr's extensive training and work in psychology, education, and creative fields has driven her to be a student-centered advocate and a creative innovator in developing programs that meet student needs while ensuring academic rigor. Dr. Orr is a registered and board certified Art Therapist, and Art Therapy Certified Supervisor and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Furman University, a Master of Arts in Art Therapy from The School of the Arts Institute of Chicago, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University.

Debra Rocha, J.D. Dean of the School of Law Dr. Debra Rocha has been on the faculty of several higher learning institutions, has instructed adult learners in undergraduate and graduate degree programs, authored over 400 online law related courses and developed 13 law related degree programs. Dr. Rocha holds a Juris Degree from American College Law with course work completed at Suffolk University College of Law in Boston, Massachusetts. She also holds a Master ofScience degreein Criminal Justice from Salve Regina University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice and a Paralegal Certificate from Roger Williams University. Dr. Rocha was also founding Dean of the California Southern University College of Law.

Dr. Vanessa Sheldon Dean of the School of Arts Dr. Vanessa Sheldon is an internationally-known practicing musician, on the faculty of several southern California colleges, a member of the National Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi and the Golden Key International Honour Society. Dr. Sheldon holds Bachelor's and Master's Degrees of Music in instrumental performance from California State University (CSU) Los Angeles and a Doctorate of Musical Arts in harp and musicology from the University of Arizona.

Dr. Philip Slocum Dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences Dr. Philip Slocum's academic career spans more than three decades in both private and public medical schools, as both a faculty member and administrator. Dr. Slocum holds a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. His interest in the interface of the principles of higher education with the principles of medical education led him to complete the Harvard University's Graduate School of Education's Management and Leadership in Education and the Institute of Educational Management programs. He is a recognized national leader in medical education, and noted for his critical views of the current state of health professions education and medical education.

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World Education University Announces Academic Leadership Team