December 6, 2013

Indiana State University officials have selected Lynn Maurer as dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies and chief research officer.

Maurer comes to Indiana State from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where she has served as associate dean of the graduate school since 2010. She was previously a faculty member in the SIUE political science department for 15 years and served as chair of the department from 2003 to 2010.

As associate dean, she oversaw 47 master's degree programs, including an interdisciplinary in healthcare informatics, two doctoral programs and two joint Ph.D. programs with SIU Carbondale. As political science chair, she was instrumental in developing non-traditional curriculum in African-American politics and women in politics and in the hiring of under-represented minority and women faculty.

She has researched parliament and democracy in Spain and her research in progress focuses on the status of women in faculty at an institution in transition and completion and attrition in STEM master's programs.

"I am pleased to announce that Dr. Maurer will be leading the graduate school at Indiana State as well as our research efforts aimed at addressing the needs of our community, state and nation," said Richard "Biff" Williams, the university's provost and vice president for academic affairs. "Graduate enrollment is increasing at Indiana State and she has the energy, drive and experience to help our faculty, staff and students meet the challenges that today's higher education environment brings and ensure that more Hoosiers complete advanced degrees that will help them and the state remain competitive."

Maurer said Indiana State is well poised to meet the national trends in graduate education that call for the university to be responsive to the educational and professional needs of students, the region, and beyond.

"I am excited to find that the leadership, faculty, and staff share my deep commitment to diversity," she said. "The leadership demonstrates integrity and vision, and the faculty are energized and enjoy shared governance. These values fit well with the mission of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies and I am pleased to have the opportunity to move forward with the university."

Maurer holds a bachelor's degree in Spanish from Otterbein College, a master's and Ph.D. in political science from The Ohio State University and a certificate in international relations from the University of Dijon in France. Her memberships include the Council of Graduate Schools, Midwest Graduate and Research Administrators Forum, American Political Science Association and the research committee of Legislative Specialists of the International Political Science Association.

Her first day on the Indiana State campus will be Jan. 2.