H. Matthew Loayza Named Dean of College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Mankato, Minn. – H. Matthew Loayza (pictured) has been named the new dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Minnesota State University, Mankato, effective today (May 15).
Minnesota State Mankato Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Marilyn Wells announced Loayza’s appointment after a national search. Loayza has served as interim dean of the college since July 1. He has been a faculty member in Minnesota State Mankato’s Department of History since 2003, achieving the rank of professor. Loayza served as department chair from 2009-2012 and 2015-2018.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. H. Matthew Loayza as the new dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences,” Wells said. “As the dean, Dr. Loayza will bring a vision for the future of the college, with an intentional focus on closing the achievement gap. Dean Loayza looks forward to bringing to fruition big ideas and initiatives such as working with ITESO Guadalajara and the University’s AGES Laboratory. After a period of interim leadership, I look forward to Dean Loayza playing a greater role in shaping our University for the future.”
While interim dean during the past academic year, Loayza actively supported the participation of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the University’s Online Learning Solutions and Models iniative, specifically working with faculty in the college and others across multiple divisions on the academic, instructional, business and marketing plans for the bachelor of science applied leadership degree completion program.
Loayza said that he looked forward to leading the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences as dean and supporting the University priorities for student success, diversity and inclusion and fiscal sustainability.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve as Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences,” said Loayza. “I look forward to supporting the efforts of our excellent faculty and staff to provide our students with the knowledge and analytical skills that will help them realize their career aspirations and their desire to create prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable communities.”
Prior to joining Minnesota State Mankato in 2003, Loayza held academic appointments at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse from 1999-2003 and Purdue University (1997).
Loayza earned master’s and doctorate degrees in history from Purdue University. He earned bachelor’s degrees in political science and international relations from the University of Wisconsin, where he was a Chancellor’s Scholar while an undergraduate student.
Minnesota State Mankato’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences includes 20 undergraduate programs, 17 graduate programs, five graduate certificate programs, a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in School Psychology program, the Center for Aging, Center for Economic Education, Kessel Lecture Series, Kessel Peace Institute and Organizational Effectiveness Research Group.
Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 14,227 students, is part of the Minnesota State system, which includes 30 colleges and seven universities.
