Mason named interim dean of Graduate School

Linda Mason has been named interim dean of Purdue's Graduate School, effective Aug. 1. Mason is currently associate dean of the Graduate School and has been a professor of entomology at Purdue since 1991.

The dean of the Purdue Graduate School oversees graduate education that includes more than 80 programs at the West Lafayette campus and nearly 30 programs at regional campuses across the State of Indiana. Close to 10,000 graduate students were enrolled at the West Lafayette campus during 2016-17.

Mason has established an internationally recognized pest management program in stored products entomology and has been a consultant for many of the largest food producers and retailers worldwide. Mason joined the Graduate School as associate dean focusing on the Responsible Conduct of Research program, fellowships, and professional development of graduate and postdoctoral students. She has been actively involved in the ADVANCE-Purdue initiative and diversity training workshops, and is a former chair of the University Senate. She also brought the popular and challenging Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition to Purdue.

“Linda’s experience in the Graduate School and her deep knowledge of Purdue will serve her well in her new role as interim dean,” says Deba Dutta, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity.

Mason replaces Mark J.T. Smith, who is moving to the University of Texas at Austin to take the position of dean of the Graduate School and senior vice provost for academic affairs beginning Aug. 1. During his tenure as dean of Purdue’s Graduate School, Smith introduced new professional master’s and interdisciplinary programs, award-winning peer mentoring programs, and a new scholarship program for graduate students with financial need. 

“His active commitment to enhancing diversity on our campus is unmatched, and I appreciate both his professional and personal involvement,” Dutta says.