Meet the New Deans

Mount St. Mary’s University has two new deans in academic year 2021-22, one filled by an internal leader and the other tapped from a national search.

Christine Seitz McCauslin, Ph.D.

CHRISTINE SEITZ McCAUSLIN, PH.D.

Within six months of the appointment of Christine Seitz McCauslin, Ph.D., as interim dean of the School of Natural Science and Mathematics (SNSM), it was clear that she was the right person for the position on a permanent basis. McCauslin, who previously was chair of the Department of Science for more than five years and joined the faculty in 2004, was named in an interim capacity when Kraig Sheetz, Ph.D., became executive vice president in January 2021.

“Christine has shown impressive leadership skills and will continue to build the programming, partnerships and experiences that make our SNSM students extremely competitive for job and graduate school opportunities,” said President Timothy E. Trainor, Ph.D. “She not only brings extensive institutional knowledge to her new role but also a record of working collaboratively and across disciplines to achieve strategic initiatives focused on student success.”

McCauslin became dean as the university plans to break ground next summer on an expansion of the School of Natural Science and Mathematics facilities, made necessary by pressing needs for additional academic space on campus due to overall student enrollment growth, increased interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors and the addition of crossdisciplinary programs. The $4.1 million addition to the Coad Science Building will include new classrooms, laboratories, “classatories,” offices, and collaborative meeting space to enhance the student learning environment.

The number of students majoring in programs within the SNSM has increased more than 30% over the last four years, due in part to the launch of three new flagship programs: cybersecurity, data science and neuroscience.

“We are fortunate to have experienced tremendous growth in the School of Natural Science and Mathematics over the last several years thanks to the hard work of our students, faculty and staff,” McCauslin said. “It is an honor to work with this outstanding group, and I look forward to the road ahead as we build on our trajectory of success and gain recognition as a leading STEM educator whose graduates are highly sought after and prepared to make a positive impact on the world.”

John Nauright, Ph.D.

JOHN NAURIGHT, PH.D.

Following a national search, John Nauright, Ph.D., joined the Mount in June as dean of the Richard J. Bolte, Sr. School of Business. He brings to the Mount deep experience in developing and leading innovative business programs both in the United States and internationally.

Nauright came to the Mount from Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania where he served as dean of the Stephen Poorman College of Business, Information Systems and Human Services and director of the Clearfield Campus. At Lock Haven he created multiple external partnerships, including with Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club of the Premier League in England; Preservation Pennsylvania; and Higher Digital, LLC.

“We are excited to see the business school grow and form more partnerships with area, national and international businesses that foster student success,” Trainor said. “John’s wealth of experience in both traditional and adult education, and years of leadership on multi-campus universities will be invaluable to the Mount as we continue to expand our offerings both in Emmitsburg and Frederick.”

Nauright seeks to shape the Bolte School into a national and international leader in business education and the role of business in social and economic transformation. “I am thrilled to join the team at the Mount as we continue to develop incredible opportunities for both traditional on-campus students and accelerated undergraduate and continuing education students,” Nauright said. “The vision, ethical values and approach to educating the whole person at the Mount is crucial to individual success and to the future of our society and the world.”

Nauright came to the Mount as the Knott Academic Center expansion and renovation moves into high gear. The project, funded by a state grant and generous donations from the Bolte Family Foundation and Raphael Della Ratta, C’92, includes construction of an approximately 15,000 square foot addition and renovation of the 49,074 square foot existing building. The upgrade includes enhancing the learning environment and building new classrooms, a Bloomberg Classroom Laboratory and faculty offices. The university also now offers its MBA program both in person and fully online.

The former vice president of the Dallas Jackals of Major League Rugby, Nauright has worked in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Barbados, Denmark and Scotland.