Matthew E. Gordley named the inaugural dean of Carlow University’s College of Learning and Innovation.
Pittsburgh, Pa. – Matthew E. Gordley, PhD, has been named inaugural dean of the College of Learning and Innovation at Carlow University effective July 1, 2015. He has been serving as Associate Dean of Academics, Regent University School of Divinity (Virginia), since 2011 and as a faculty member at the institution since 2005.
“The founding dean of the College of Learning and Innovation will be instrumental in advancing Carlow University as a destination university, renowned for academic rigor, innovation, and scholarship and in further connecting the university with the community and beyond,” said Carlow University President Suzanne Mellon, PhD. “Dr. Gordley is a visionary thinker committed to student success and an enhanced educational experience, which will provide our students with a competitive advantage when they graduate from Carlow.”
An engaged scholar and accomplished academic leader with a deep and demonstrated commitment to excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, Gordley has held numerous faculty and leadership positions in his nearly 12 years in academia.
During his tenure at Regent University, he oversaw initiatives in support of an education that offers students the ability to grow intellectually and personally through their interactions with dedicated and exceptional faculty, such as improving the advising model to better serve its growing and diverse student body. Additionally, he collaborated with faculty, administration, and accrediting agencies to revise master’s degree program content and length to meet the changing needs of contemporary seminarians while maintaining academic rigor.
Prior to assuming the role of Associate Dean, he served as Chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Regent University where he oversaw growth in enrollment and spearheaded the design, creation, and implementation of online, hybrid and residential undergraduate curricula for three majors in the department.
“Dr. Gordley’s collaborative and energetic academic leadership style is deeply-rooted in his commitment to leading faculty as they pursue their vocations as teachers and scholars, and in helping students reach their full potential,” said Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Deanne D’Emilio, JD. “He has a history of establishing and putting into place processes and initiatives that champion students and their potential. We look forward to his leadership.”
Gordley received a PhD in the area of Christianity and Judaism in Antiquity from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Alliance Theological Seminary and a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Christian Education from Wheaton College.
In 2014, a faculty-driven initiative led to the reorganization of Carlow’s existing academic structure and the creation of three new colleges. Designed to foster distinctive learning, diversify programs and formats, and grow partnerships, this new academic structure will propel the University forward into the future aligned with the strategic plan and new vision. The College of Learning and Innovation is comprised of Art, English, MFA, Women’s Studies, Humanities (Philosophy, History, Math, Theology), Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry), all Education programs, the First Year Experience, and the Core Curriculum.
