Marquette University has named Dr. Richard Holz dean of the Helen Way Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, President Scott R. Pilarz, S.J. announced Tuesday.
Holz, associate dean for resources and planning and professor of chemistry at Loyola University Chicago, comes to Marquette with experience serving more than 6,000 full-time students, 395 full-time faculty and 50 full-time staff members in Loyola’s College of Arts and Sciences.
“Dr. Holz is an accomplished and dynamic leader who is poised to lead Marquette University’s largest college,” Pilarz said. “The liberal arts and sciences are at the heart of what Catholic, Jesuit education has always been about, and we are excited to have found a leader who will ensure our students experience a transformative education in an increasingly complex world.”
During his time at Loyola, Holz has overseen budgetary expenditures for the institution’s 18 academic departments and 19 interdisciplinary programs, adding up to more than $54.5 million annually. He previously led the chemistry department as chair for five years and has published more than 90 research articles related to biological inorganic chemistry.
Holz also helped with the transition process in administering Loyola’s revitalized core of common studies and served on a university committee to execute the university’s strategic plan.
He completed his doctorate degree at The Pennsylvania State University in chemistry and fulfilled a National Institutes of Health Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Minnesota. He earned a master of science degree from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and holds a bachelor of science from Bemidji State University.
“Rick has all of the qualities we were looking for in a dean to lead our largest college,” said Dr. John Pauly, university provost. “He brings a combination of research excellence, commitment to teaching, belief in the Jesuit pedagogy and has extensive strategic planning and administrative experience. He will ensure we position our arts and sciences students to succeed at Marquette and beyond, and our faculty and staff to perform at their highest levels.”
Holz, 50, has two daughters, Emilia, 8, and Marika, 7, with his wife, Anna.
He will take over for interim dean Rev. Philip Rossi, S.J. on July 1, 2013.
