Throop hired as new dean

By Karina Rajtar
Editor in Chief

Saint Mary’s University hired a new dean for the School of Humanities and Sciences this summer, creating a new position to manage tasks that were formerly the responsibility of three to four associate deans.

Dr. Elizabeth Throop will work within the School of Humanities and Sciences, leading the faculty and working with academic departments on curriculum.

“I’m just delighted to be here,” said Throop. “This is a place with tremendously talented faculty and … some superb students.”

Throop said the Lasallian values of a small, private university appealed to her, especially the “ability for students to really get a personalized education.” She believes that the bonds students make with each other and with their professors can be lifelong. Throop is originally from the Chicago area and attended Macalester College for her bachelor’s degree.

“I’m just thrilled with finding her,” said Dr. Tom Mans, vice president for academic affairs. “You’ll find she’s very approachable.”

Mans said Throop’s job mostly involves working with faculty and administration. He said she is “there to facilitate faculty development,” manage department budgets and work with curriculum for the School of Humanities and Sciences as well as with general education courses. Mans said part of Throop’s job includes dealing with students’ complaints and concerns about teaching and courses, and Throop said students might be sent to her for academic issues specific to the Humanities and Sciences. She might also eventually teach anthropology.

Throop said she looks forward to the “potential to really do a lot of good for the faculty, staff and students.”