Marian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Nicholson, Ph.D., as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, effective June 1.
Dr. Nicholson has served as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences since 2024, leading the college through growth and innovation. He joined Marian University in 2018 as an assistant professor of chemistry and has since held several key leadership roles, including chair of the Department of Biology and Chemistry, assistant dean of science and mathematics, and assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
As dean, Dr. Nicholson will continue collaborating with faculty and staff to uphold the college’s tradition of academic excellence, advance innovative programs, enhance student success initiatives, oversee budgetary operations, and guide strategic planning efforts.
“I am incredibly honored to be chosen to lead the Marian University College of Arts and Sciences,” said Dr. Nicholson. “I look forward to continuing to grow the programs and research activities of the college and to strengthening the liberal arts foundation for all Marian students.”
Binh Tran, Ph.D., chief academic officer, expressed confidence in Dr. Nicholson’s leadership. “We had a robust external search process with outstanding applicants and finalists who we brought on campus. It was clear to me that Dr. Nicholson was the top candidate. In his role as interim dean, I was able to observe his leadership and vision for the College of Arts and Sciences first-hand, and I am extremely excited to be working with Dean Nicholson in his new role.”
Dr. Nicholson holds a bachelor’s degree from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and a doctorate from the University of Notre Dame.
Marian University recently conducted a national search to identify the next dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.