The Department of Educational Administration and Management traces its origins to the Department of Elementary Education, established in 1987 at Hualien Teachers College. The department was founded with the mission of preparing qualified elementary school teachers and cultivating professionals in educational administration and educational research. In August 2006, following the institution's transition from a teachers college to a university of education, the Department of Elementary Education was renamed the Department of Education, retaining two undergraduate classes. As part of a university-wide restructuring initiative aimed at establishing one class per department, the Department of Education was subsequently divided into two departments: the Department of Educational Administration and Management, together with the Graduate Institute of Administrative Leadership, and the Department of Curriculum Design and Human Potentials Development. In August 2007, to meet the growing demand for professionals in educational administration and management across educational, cultural, and other professional sectors, the department was officially renamed the Department of Educational Administration and Management (including the Master's Program). At that time, it became a non-teacher-education department.

In 2008, National Hualien University of Education merged with National Dong Hwa University to form a comprehensive university. Following the merger, the departments within the College of Education assumed dual responsibilities for advancing educational research and preparing teachers for elementary and secondary schools. Beginning in the 2010 academic year, with approval from the Ministry of Education, the Department of Educational Administration and Management transitioned from a non-teacher-education department to a teacher-education department. This transition broadened and diversified its educational objectives, placing primary emphasis on preparing elementary school teachers while continuing to cultivate professionals in school administration and related educational and cultural fields. Beginning in the 2012 academic year, the Master's Program in School Administration was restructured into an In-Service Master's Program, providing opportunities for professional development and advanced study for practicing teachers and other education professionals. This initiative has further enriched students' educational experiences and broadened their professional perspectives. In addition to strengthening the quality of elementary teacher preparation, the department is committed to fostering partnerships with local elementary schools through teaching practicums, academic exchanges, and collaborative research. It also seeks to establish academic partnerships and reciprocal visits with other teacher education institutions to broaden academic perspectives and enhance educational effectiveness. The department's faculty members possess extensive expertise in their respective fields and demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching, research, service, and student guidance. With a supportive and collaborative academic environment, the department fosters a strong sense of community among faculty and students. Through their collective efforts, the department continues to pursue academic excellence, effective administration, and the professional development of future educators and educational leaders.