Dean of College of Arts & Sciences to leave USD

In a Wednesday press release Matthew Moen, the dean of the College of Arts & Sciences at USD, was

named the new president of the Gettysburg Foundation.

Moen has been at USD since 2002. He will begin his new position in March 2017.

Provost and vice president for academic affairs, Jim Moran and President James Abbott both stated how thankful they were for Moens time at USD in a Dec. 1 news release.

“We are very grateful to Dean Moen for the many contributions he has made to the University of South Dakota during his time here,” said Moran, “His leadership and dedication to academic excellence have significantly impacted our university community and our students. His commitment to the liberal arts has helped to make USD a stronger institution.”

Abbott said Moen “has been a tremendous dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.”

“He is nationally recognized with his leadership positions in the New England Political Science Association (NEPSA) and Council of Colleges of Arts & Sciences (CCAS). His new position is a wonderful opportunity that combines both his leadership talents and his passion for a liberal arts education. I wish him all the best with thanks for his contributions to USD,” he said.

The Gettysburg Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service, maintains the site of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, as well as educates visitors about the battle.

“I’m so pleased to join the Gettysburg community and to have the opportunity to advance the important work of the Gettysburg Foundation,” Moen said in a news release. “The battlefield represents the most intensive military conflict in the history of the North American continent, followed by President Lincoln’s marvelous words of healing and inspiration in the Gettysburg Address. In that same spirit, we will continue to honor the legacy of sacrifice, while also educating our citizens about the importance of political civility at this time in our nation’s history.”