Indianapolis, IN – July 10, 2024 – Marian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Nicholson, Ph.D. as the Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, effective July 15, 2024.
Dr. Nicholson joined Marian University in 2018 as an assistant professor of chemistry. Since then, he has held several key leadership positions, including chair of biology and chemistry, assistant dean of science and math, and most recently, assistant dean of the college of arts and sciences. As interim dean, Dr. Nicholson will lead be responsible in working with the faculty to ensure high quality and innovative academic programs, implement initiatives to enhance student success, oversee fiscal management, and provide leadership and strategic planning to advance the college.
"I am honored to step into this role and continue supporting our outstanding faculty, staff, and students," said Dr. Nicholson. "Marian University has been a significant part of my professional life, and I look forward to contributing to the ongoing success and development of the College of Arts and Sciences."
Binh Tran, Ph.D., chief academic officer and dean of the E. S. Witchger School of Engineering, expressed confidence in Chris's leadership. "Since my arrival at Marian University as founding dean of the E. S. Witchger School of Engineering, I have had direct interactions and numerous discussions with Dr. Nicholson. I have been impressed by his commitment to student learning and academic excellence, his leadership, and spirit of collaboration, all qualities that make in an ideal choice for interim dean. I am confident that his experience, strengths, and deep understanding of our community and unwavering commitment to our values will ensure that the College of Arts and Sciences will continue to thrive under his guidance."
Dr. Nicholson received his undergraduate degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and his doctorate degree from the University of Notre Dame.
We thank the former dean, David Rusbasan, Ph.D., for his outstanding service and leadership. Dr. Rusbasan’s contributions have left a lasting impact, and we are grateful that he will remain a cherished member of the Marian community as an alumnus.
Marian University will soon begin a nationwide search to appoint a permanent dean for the College of Arts and Sciences.
###
About Marian University
Founded in 1937, Marian University is the only Catholic university in Indianapolis and central Indiana, serving more than 5,100 students, including 4,000 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students, earning degrees in the arts, business, education, engineering, math, medicine, nursing, ministry, and the natural and physical sciences. The university's high-impact, experiential curriculum provides hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities. Marian University has earned the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as a national doctoral/professional university. In 2013, Marian University established its College of Osteopathic Medicine, the first new school of medicine in Indiana in more than 100 years, and in 2023, opened the new E. S. Witchger School of Engineering as part of the university’s continuing efforts to graduate students that help meet the Midwest’s growing STEM workforce needs. The university also provides undergraduate nursing education at Marian University’s Ancilla College in Plymouth, Indiana. Marian's national champion varsity athletic programs include the 2012 and 2015 NAIA Football Championship, the 2016 and 2017 NAIA Women's Basketball Championship, the 2019 NAIA Women's Volleyball Championship, various track and field events, and nearly 50 USA Cycling national championships. Follow Marian University on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tik Tok and Twitter.