Schutten accepts dean position in California

Mary Schutten, associate dean for students and curriculum in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Grand Valley, has accepted the position of dean of San José State University’s College of Applied Sciences and Arts, effective July 6. 

Schutten came to Grand Valley in 2003 as professor of movement science. She became associate dean in 2009, and has been responsible for CLAS curriculum, recruitment and student success. 

She has received much recognition during her time at Grand Valley. Most recently, she was awarded the Anita Aldridge Distinguished Alumna Award from Indiana University’s School of Public Health, where she received a doctorate in physical education. 

“After six years of extraordinary effort and great success, Dean Schutten leaves us better, with a sounder curriculum and better student services, but also with a fond wish that her new university will appreciate her efforts as much as we will miss them,” said Fred Antczak, dean of CLAS. 

A farewell reception is planned for Tuesday, May 12, from 2-4 p.m., room 0058, Kirkhof Center. 

Two interim assistant deans will fill the position while a search for a permanent replacement begins.

Created in July 2004, CLAS is the largest of Grand Valley’s colleges and offers more than 50 bachelor’s degrees in the natural and mathematical sciences, humanities, the fine and performing arts, and the social sciences.