Ron Matson, dean of Wichita State University's Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and associate professor of sociology, has announced his retirement effective June 30, 2018.

“I have enjoyed immensely my career at Wichita State and view my time as dean as a fitting capstone,” Matson said. “My wife Linda and I will always be Shockers, but we look forward to concentrating on one another in the times to come.”

A committee chaired by Dennis Livesay, dean of the graduate school, will begin a national search for the next dean of Fairmount College.

“This is a key position at Wichita State, and I am excited about recruiting the next dean of LAS through a national search,” said Tony Vizzini, provost and senior vice president. “I am eager to see how the next leader will build on the foundation of Fairmount College.”

The quintessential scholar and gentleman

Matson was appointed interim dean in 2013 and named dean the following year. He has led the college through difficult budget times, spearheaded the strategic plan for the college, provided college leadership for strategic enrollment management, developed the Fairmount College Student Advisory Council, supported increased externally funded research and contracts, and directed an increase in online credit hour production.

“Ron is that quintessential scholar and gentleman, always mindful of the students and the outstanding faculty who serve them,” Vizzini said. “We at Wichita State are better off for all of his years of service and leadership.”

Matson began teaching at Wichita State in 1970 as an assistant professor of sociology and served twice as department chairperson for a total of 17 years. In 2011, Matson was selected as the Kansas Professor of the Year. Presented by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, it is the only nationally competitive award to recognize excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentoring. He considers this honor a highlight of his career.

“I am confident in the bright future of Fairmount College,” Matson said. “The university’s initiatives with Innovation Campus and extending applied learning experiences for all students provides endless opportunities for growth and enrichment for everyone.”