Clarke Welcomes New Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Clarke University is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. David DiMattio as the new Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences. He began his role on September 6, shortly after Clarke welcomed students back to campus for its 179th academic year. 

DiMattio brings a wealth of experience to the position, having most recently served as the Dean of Faculty at the Kendall Campus, the largest campus in the Miami Dade College System. He also held leadership positions at Montgomery County Community College and his alma mater, St. Bonaventure University. The move to Clarke marks a return to Catholic higher education for DiMattio, who is looking forward to finding his place at the institution. 

“During my visit to Clarke University, I witnessed a community dedicated to their identity, the liberal arts and sciences, and student success. Tapping into the breadth of experiences from my personal journey as faculty and administrator, I look forward to working within the Clarke family,” said DiMattio. “The value of a liberal arts education is critical in our evolving world. In partnership with faculty and staff, I hope to strengthen existing programs, I hope to add to areas that support student access, and market demand, and I will rely on creative and inventive ways to incorporate high-impact practices into the student experience.” 

DiMattio joins Clarke as the University welcomes a growing number of transfers, non-traditional, and increasingly diverse students to campus. Dr. Eden Wales Freedman, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty, said DiMattio stood out among the candidates as a leader who can take on the challenges while maximizing the opportunities in the changing landscape of higher education. 

“David brings extensive administrative leadership and teaching experience to his role as Dean,” Wales Freedman said. “During the interview process, he generated exciting ideas to support faculty and students and to grow programs, while also recognizing the need to learn more about Clarke before launching initiatives. Now that he’s here, he can hit the ground running. He resonates with our identity and values and will champion the Arts and Sciences, both on campus and throughout Dubuque. We are delighted he has decided to join us.” 

The administration also wishes to thank the many students and employees who took part in the search process by serving on the committee or taking part in campus interviews.