Matusiak Named Associate Dean at UA Little Rock
The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has welcomed Dr. Matt Matusiak as the new associate dean for faculty, technology, and accreditation in the College of Business, Health, and Human Services (CBHHS).
“I am really excited about joining UA Little Rock,” Matusiak said. “I have always been interested in an administrative career in higher education, and this is a great opportunity for me. I look forward to working with the college to improve the faculty and student experiences at UA Little Rock.”
In his new position, Matusiak will play a vital role in the leadership of and strategic planning for CBHHS. He is responsible for the oversight and direction of information technology, administration of the Faculty Success database, oversight of tenure and promotion processes, facilitating school/departmental accreditation processes, assisting chairs and directors with faculty-related issues, and serving as the liaison to the CBHHS College Assembly.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Matt Matusiak as our new associate dean for faculty, technology, and accreditation,” said Thomas Clifton, interim CBHHS dean. “His leadership will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission in support of our faculty and students. Dr. Matusiak’s commitment to excellence in education, coupled with his experience, makes him an excellent fit for this crucial role. We look forward to the innovative contributions and strategic insights he will bring to our team.”
Prior to joining UA Little Rock, Matusiak served as an associate professor and undergraduate program director in the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Central Florida, where he has worked since 2013. He was instrumental in the establishment of a professional track undergraduate degree program in criminal justice.
“I am really passionate about undergraduate education because I was a first-generation college student, and there were a lot of things I didn’t know when I went to college,” Matusiak said. “I like working with first-generation students and answering their questions. Education is an enjoyable career when you get to see that aha moment when you are working with students.”
He earned a bachelor’s degree from Tri-State University (currently Trine University), a master’s degree from the University of Central Florida, and Ph.D. in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University. He is a member of the American Society of Criminology and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences and a former president of the Midwestern Criminal Justice Association.
Matusiak lives in Little Rock with his wife Randa and their two dogs.