Fulbright College Names Matthew Clay Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Matthew Clay, professor and chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, has been appointed associate dean for academic affairs, effective June 1.

In this role, Clay will lead key areas of the college's academic mission, including assessment, accreditation, curricular innovation and international education. He will work to ensure academic programs meet and exceed accreditation and reputational benchmarks while supporting a high-quality, inclusive student learning experience. His responsibilities will include supporting the development of new academic programs, certificates, minors and majors; overseeing program assessment and viability reviews; and managing areas such as enrollment and Global Campus. He will also serve as liaison to the college's Honors Program and represent Fulbright College on the Undergraduate Council and Strategic Enrollment Committee.

He succeeds Chris Schulte, who has chosen to return to the School of Art effective May 31 to focus on his work in art education. Schulte will serve as associate director of the School of Art and continue as professor and endowed chair in art education, where he leads the Center for the Study of Childhood Art.

Schulte has served as associate dean for academic affairs since 2024. During his time in the role, Schulte led initiatives that strengthened the college's academic programs and operations and advanced its commitment to student success and academic excellence. 

"We are grateful to Chris for his leadership and service to Fulbright College," said Brian Raines, dean of Fulbright College. "He's been a steady, thoughtful leader and strengthened our academic programs in important ways. I know he'll continue that impact in the School of Art, where his work as a faculty member and leader has long been central to the college."

Clay has been a member of the Fulbright faculty since 2012, joining as an assistant professor of mathematics. He was promoted to associate professor in 2015 and to professor in 2021, and he has served as chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences since 2023. In addition to his leadership as chair, he has held several service roles, including undergraduate programs coordinator and member of multiple departmental and college committees. At the college level, he has contributed to the Honors Council, the Fulbright Personnel Committee and the college's strategic planning efforts, where he currently co-chairs the student success subcommittee.

"I'm excited to step into the role of associate dean for academic affairs and for the opportunity to work closely with faculty across the college, continuing the great work that Chris has done," Clay said. "I've greatly valued my time as chair of the Department of Mathematical Sciences, and I look forward to building on that experience to support the college's academic mission."

His research focuses on geometric group theory, including the study of automorphisms of free groups and group actions on trees. He has received support from the National Science Foundation and the Simons Foundation and has organized numerous conferences that bring scholars to the U of A.

"Matt brings a deep understanding of our academic programs and a strong record of leadership and service, Raines said. "He's been an excellent department chair and a thoughtful partner on college-wide priorities. We look forward to working with him to advance student success and academic excellence in Fulbright College."

Clay earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Oregon and his master's and doctoral degrees in mathematics from the University of Utah.