亚洲AV

Matz to return to English Department after five years at the helm of Mason Korea

Body

Robert Matz, dean of the 亚洲AV鈥檚 , will conclude his term at the end of the Spring 2024 semester and return to the as a faculty member of the .

Robert Matz stands at a podium, speaking into a microphone, while wearing full graduation regalia.
Dean Robert Matz at Mason Korea's Spring 2023 Commencement. Photo courtesy of Mason Korea

During his time as dean, Mason Korea student enrollment grew at average rate of 12% annually, from 566 students in Spring 2019 to 906 this fall. New degree programs, a new pathway program, development of the visibility and reputation of the campus, and improved retention drove this growth. The number of U.S. students studying at Mason Korea more than doubled during his tenure as well.

Dean Matz鈥檚 hard work has transformed the campus, with significant impacts on student enrollment and success, the campus鈥 capacity for research, and the development of community relationships,鈥 said Provost Mark R. Ginsberg.

Some of Dean Matz鈥檚 most notable accomplishments include the establishment of an enhanced faculty governance structure at Mason Korea and his work with faculty and staff, both in Korea and the United States, to increase coordination and cooperation between Mason鈥檚 campuses.

鈥淚t has been an absolute privilege to work these past several years at Mason Korea,鈥 Matz said. 鈥淚 look forward to my final two semesters here and to celebrating the 10th anniversary of the campus鈥 founding this coming spring.鈥

Throughout his time at Mason Korea, Dean Matz鈥檚 priorities focused on student success through experiential learning, undergraduate student research, and the growth of University Life opportunities.

Under Matz鈥檚 direction, Mason Korea established an 鈥攖he South Korean corollary to a U.S. Office of Sponsored Programs鈥攁nd began offering executive education programs, which allowed the campus to accept South Korean government funding for faculty research.

Matz also built relationships that led to a partnership with the City of Incheon to establish lifelong learning projects for members of the community. In addition, philanthropic support of Mason Korea increased from $30,000 annually in 2019 to $150,000 in 2022.

A search for the next dean of Mason Korea will begin soon, Ginsberg said.

Students walk towards Mason's Korea location

Pursuing a course of study in two countries allows Mason Korea students to gain the global perspectives that the 21st century's great challenges鈥攁nd opportunities鈥攔equire.