Dr. Travis McMaken is not stepping into unfamiliar territory but instead continuing with something he helped to build in the first place.
After years of serving as assistant dean, associate dean, and finally interim dean, McMaken is officially named the dean of Lindenwood University’s College of Arts and Humanities following a national search. His extensive experience within the college has made his transition seamless, bringing both his institutional knowledge and a clear vision for the future.
“It gives me a lot of background knowledge and information that somebody coming in from the outside wouldn’t have,” McMaken said. “I don’t have to spend time learning what is here because I was able to help build what is here.” Having helped hire much of the current faculty played a central role in shaping the college, and McMaken emphasized that his familiarity with Lindenwood’s culture allows him to “hit the ground running.”
That momentum is supported by his continued collaboration with Dr. Shenika Harris, the new associate dean, previously serving as the interim associate dean alongside him. Their established working relationship, built over several years, brings a balance of perspectives to leadership.
“We’re not the same person, which is important,” McMaken said. “I tend to be more of a systems thinker, and it is helpful to have someone who can say, ‘get out of the clouds and look at what may be happening over here.’”
McMaken’s path to deanship has been entirely rooted at Lindenwood. After joining the university while completing his doctoral program, he progressed through the roles as faculty member, program chair, assistant dean, associate dean, and now to dean.
“I’ve grown up professionally here at Lindenwood,” he said. “I fell in love with Lindenwood and never looked back.”
While his responsibilities as dean are not drastically different from his time as interim, the official appointment has shifted his perspective.
“The day-to-day work has not changed dramatically,” he explained. “What’s new is the confirmation and the confidence it brings. You’re not just keeping the lights on, you’re building.”
That sense of purpose is closely tied to his commitment to the students, even as administrative duties limit direct interaction in the classroom.
“The one real downside is that I don’t get to interact with students like I did when I was teaching regularly,” McMaken said. “Everything we are doing is ultimately for our students, and I want to stay connected to their experience.”
At the center of his leadership is a focus on preparing students for an unpredictable future. McMaken emphasizes the importance of developing “power skills,” such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, which remain relevant regardless of the career path.
“Many of the jobs that students will have in the future haven’t been invented yet,” he said. “If we’re successful in teaching those skills, our students will be able to build meaningful careers and meaningful lives.”
Looking ahead, his top priority for the college is clear: student success. Initiatives are already underway, which include course redesign efforts and the introduction of retention champions to support students who may be struggling academically.
“I also want to hear directly from students about what is working and what is not,” McMaken said. “You will see things that don’t always show up in data.”
His long-term vision extends beyond the classroom. Over the next three to five years, McMaken hopes to cultivate a college where the students are both supported and empowered.
“Success looks like students who feel genuinely supported while they are here and graduates who leave equipped to adapt across careers,” he said. “I want this college to build things with students, not just for them.”
As higher education continues to evolve, McMaken is focused on keeping the college competitive through innovation and adaptability. New academic programs, including Philosophy, Politics, and Economics; Geospatial Intelligence and Sustainability; and Applied AI, reflect a commitment to align education with emerging fields.
He also stresses the importance of demonstrating the value of a liberal arts education.
“People want to know their degree will lead to meaningful careers,” he said. “We have been intentional about connecting students’ love to what they want to do.”
Artificial intelligence is another key area of focus, with the college expanding a Human-Centered AI program and integrating AI literacy across disciplines.
“Love it or hate it, AI technology is here to stay,” McMaken said. “We want students to know how to use it responsibly and understand its limits.”
Despite growth opportunities, McMaken acknowledges ongoing challenges, including declining college enrollments due to demographic shifts. However, he sees this as a chance to highlight the unique value of the arts and humanities.
“The biggest challenge is making sure students, and their families know what we have to offer,” he said.
Reflecting on the interview process, McMaken said it reinforced his dedication to the college.
“I have never been more nervous or stressed about something in my professional life,” he admitted. “That showed me how much I care.”
Ultimately, McMaken hopes his appointment sends a clear message to both the faculty and the students.
“This college is built on a culture of care and excellence,” he said. “For students: everything we do is for you. I want to hear from you.”
He encourages students to connect with him directly during weekly drop-in hours from 3-4 pm in McCluer Hall on Mondays and in the J. Scheidegger Center on Thursdays, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining open dialogue. “I’d love to have students stop by,” he said.
“I have invested my time, energy, and care in this college,” McMaken said. “And I am genuinely excited about what will come next.”
