Matthew Nugent named dean of TU’s Fisher College of Science & Mathematics

By Towson University on December 14, 2022

The following message was shared Dec. 14 by Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Melanie Perreault:

We are very pleased to announce that Dr. Matthew Nugent will be joining the university as TU’s Dean of the Fisher College of Science & Mathematics. Dr. Nugent stood out among a highly competitive group of finalists during an extensive national search. He begins his appointment on July 17, 2023.

Dr. Nugent joins TU from the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he is the associate dean for research, innovation and partnerships in the Kennedy College of Sciences. There, he developed and implemented a strategic plan to enhance the College’s research excellence, resulting in a 70 percent increase in external research expenditures over a five-year period. He also launched two new Ph.D. programs and co-chaired the university’s commission to achieve Carnegie Classification as a Research 1 institution.

At UMass Lowell, Dr. Nugent also served as department chair and is a professor of Biological Sciences. His more than 35 years of higher education leadership and instruction includes previous service as a professor of Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering and Ophthalmology at the Boston University School of Medicine. He holds a bachelor’s degree and Ph.D. in biochemistry from Brandeis University, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in chemical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Dr. Nugent’s extensive research centers on analyzing complex biological processes to develop predictive models used to design new therapies for human disease. He has generated $20 million in research grant support for projects exploring mechanisms of, and treatments for, cardiovascular disease, cancer, eye disease and lung disease.

He will assume the Dean position at a pivotal point for the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics. FCSM is leading TU’s trajectory toward Carnegie Classification as a Research 2 institution. Dr. Nugent will develop a long-term strategy to guide the College’s continued growth and development, empowering its students, faculty and staff to be at the forefront of achieving R2 status for Towson University.

My thanks to the search committee for filling this important leadership position with commitment and care. Chaired by Associate Provost for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies Sidd Kaza, the committee members included: 

• Dr. Angel Kumchev, Professor of Mathematics
• Dr. Clare Muhoro, Professor and Associate Provost for Academic Affairs
• Dr. John Sivey, Professor and Director, Environmental Science Graduate Programs
• Dr. Lisa Plowfield, Dean, College of Health Professions
• Dr. Pamela Lottero-Perdue, Professor and Director of the Integrated STEM Instructional Leadership (PreK-6) Post Baccalaureate Certificate Program
• Dr. Peko Tsuji, Associate Professor of Biological Sciences
• Richard Patterson, Administrative Assistant, Department of Chemistry
• Dr. Suranjan Chakraborty, Professor and Director, School of Emerging Technologies

Finally, I would like to express my deepest appreciation for the leadership of Interim Dean Christopher Salice. During his tenure, the Fisher College of Science and Mathematics has benefitted from Dr. Salice’s insight, experience and knowledge. We look forward to his continued leadership through the spring semester. 

We know you all will join us in warmly welcoming Dr. Nugent to the Towson University community and supporting him as he assumes this important leadership role. 

Sincerely, 

Melanie Perreault, Ph.D. 
Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs