Candice McQueen, the dean of Lipscomb University’s college of education in Nashville, has been named Tennessee’s commissioner of education. She will replace Kevin Huffman, who is leaving for the private sector.
Ms. McQueen was appointed senior vice president of Lipscomb’s college of education last January after being credited with overseeing the rise of one of the state’s top education programs at the university. She has also taught in both public and private schools.
Jim Peyser, a managing director of the NewSchools Venture Fund, a philanthropy that funds education entrepreneurs, has been tapped as Massachusetts’ next secretary of education.
A former chairman of the state school board, Mr. Peyser will serve as the top adviser on education to Gov.-elect Charlie Baker. Mr. Peyser is also a former executive director of the Pioneer Institute, a Boston-based advocacy group.
Margaret Vandeven, the deputy commissioner of education in Missouri, has been chosen to lead the state education department. She replaces Chris Nicastro, who resigned at the end of 2014 following mounting criticism over her actions.
Ms. Vandeven worked for the past nine years at the Missouri education department. She previously worked as an English/language arts teacher and administrator in private schools in Missouri and Maryland.