Ask the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Lynn Maurer, what brought her here, and she’ll tell you, “This is my type of university.”
The research-heavy model utilized to educate students across the university’s disciplines and the emphasis on student success practiced by everyone is what makes the motto “We Are LU” ring loud and clear to Maurer.
“The biggest priority for me is student success,” Maurer said. “Helping them be successful while they’re students by serving them while they’re here and getting them to completion and graduation is very important to me."
As the new dean, Maurer said her focus will be working with the heads of the departments to empower the faculty, who in turn empower the students.
“I’m dedicated to the idea of inclusive excellence in the diversity of education, by recognizing varying financial needs and helping students at-risk academically,” Maurer said.
The new dean said LU’s underserved population is much like that of her previous colleges, where she spent time as dean and chief research officer of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies at Indiana State University and associate dean of the Graduate School and chair of the Political Science Department at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Her research in political science and her teaching areas focus on European politics, including women in international politics, and Spanish politics since their transition to democracy—something she said she witnessed firsthand while earning a bachelor of arts in Spain.
Maurer said she wants to encourage faculty to keep in touch with students regarding their GPA and help them receive tutoring in an effort to promote heightened student success.
“I’d like to start focusing on student success even more, possibly with programs designed to deal with things like lifestyle, how to interview at jobs, write résumés, and how to balance student life and studies,” Maurer said.
“This is the type of place that, for me, I can be most effective,” she said. “I’d like to be able to create a college that is strong and promotes the university and works well with the community. We see most of the general education students come through our doors as well, so we need to be able to serve that population effectively.”
Maurer explained the importance of community involvement in the college since LU prepares students for their future professions.
“Students work through experiential learning of any type in this community, and we can prepare our students best by having them go from graduation to becoming seamlessly involved,” she said of her hopes for students of the college.
Maurer said being involved in the community herself can, in turn, help the faculty get their students involved—she recently became a member of the Spindletop Rotary Club, saying volunteer work is important to her and her family. She never misses an opportunity to visit a museum or any place she can represent the college while supporting the community.
“The college has so much potential,” Maurer said. “I hope I can help move it forward.”
