Michael Merten has been named interim dean of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's College of Education and Human Sciences effective Aug. 4. The appointment, announced July 28 by Mark Button, executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer, is pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
"I am grateful for Michael's willingness to lead and his commitment to providing stability for the College of Education and Human Sciences community," Button said. "His knowledge and experience will ensure forward momentum for the college’s strategic priorities and across each of the college's units and programs."
Merten is the Gwendolyn A. Newkirk Professor of Leadership and chair of the Department of Child, Youth and Family Studies. Prior to joining UNL in 2020, he was director of the Center for Family Resilience and a professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at Oklahoma State University.
His research examines the social, family, and community factors that influence youth and young adult development, health, and well-being. His work has addressed topics including adolescent health, mental health, family relationships, Latino youth development, occupational safety, and health disparities. He has collaborated extensively with scholars across disciplines, including psychology, sociology, public health, toxicology, epidemiology, and economics. His research has received funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Justice, and numerous state and community organizations.
"I look forward to serving our faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners in this new role as we work together to positively impact the lives of individuals, families, schools and communities in Nebraska and beyond," Merten said.
Merten earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and master’s and doctoral degrees in human development and family studies from Iowa State University.
The change in leadership of the college has been prompted by the departure of Jeff Reese, who is retiring from higher education.
College of Education and Human Sciences
