Gustavus Adolphus College Provost and Dean of the College Mark Braun announced on Thursday that Dr. Paula O’Loughlin would be leaving her post as associate provost and dean of arts and humanities at the close of the academic year to become the Provost and Dean of the Faculty at Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
“We are pleased to have someone of Dr. O’Loughlin’s caliber join Coe in this key leadership role,” said Coe President Dr. David McInally. “Not only is she an accomplished faculty member, scholar and mentor, but she has demonstrated innovation in various roles as an academic administrator. We look forward to her contributions to the college and welcome her to the Coe community.”
During her time at Gustavus, O’Loughlin worked closely with department chairs and faculty members to oversee and advance the work of the arts and humanities, including oversight of budget and hiring. O’Loughlin played a central role in many initiatives over the last three and a half years, including obtaining the Mellon grant for digital humanities January Interim Experience classes, strategic planning, and the development of several interdisciplinary minors. She has been heavily involved on a variety of fronts in moving the College forward regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her leadership has also been clear in the area of Title IX compliance and harassment, where she currently serves as the interim Title IX coordinator.
Before coming to Gustavus in 2012, O’Loughlin served on the faculty in the political science department at the University of Minnesota, Morris beginning in 1996. She received numerous teaching and advising honors including the prestigious Horace T. Morse University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education (2007), the all-University John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising (2001), and the University of Minnesota, Morris Alumni Association Teaching Award (2001).
O’Loughlin holds a bachelor’s degree in government from Smith College and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Minnesota.
Provost Braun intends to announce a replacement plan after the upcoming Office of Academic Affairs external review.
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