Lindenwood University is pleased to announce that Dr. Travis McMaken has been selected as the next Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities.
McMaken was selected after a rigorous national search that yielded more than 20 applicants. After a second round that included interviews with college faculty and university administrators, including the President, he was selected as Dean.
McMaken brings extensive academic leadership experience to this role. Since joining Lindenwood in 2011, he has served in multiple faculty and administrative roles within the School of Humanities and College of Arts and Humanities, including two years as Program Chair of Interdisciplinary Studies, four years as Assistant Dean, four years as Associate Dean, and Interim Dean since August 2025. He has won various awards, including Scholar of the Year, Most Positive Person on Campus, Assessment Champion, and was appointed as Butler Bible Endowed Chair of Religion.
McMaken is a Professor of Religion, holding a PhD in Systematic Theology from Princeton Theological Seminary, as well as a Master of Divinity.
“From the beginning of the search process, we were focused on finding an experienced academic leader who could think strategically about not only academics, but also about key support staff units including Theatre Production, the Writing Center, Mane Media, and KCLC,” Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Kathi Vosevich said. “We sought an individual who could position the College of Arts and Humanities strategically in our region, including with the NGA.”
Throughout the interview process, McMaken demonstrated that he is the right choice for this position through his commitment to Lindenwood University, putting students first, and supporting a vibrant future for the College of Arts and Humanities.