Michael Horvath was recently named the dean of the School of Education at Indiana University South Bend. Horvath, who is a South Bend native and a graduate of IU South Bend, will start in the new post on June 26.

Horvath most recently was professor and dean of the School of Education at Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, Mo.

Prior to serving at Missouri Southern, he was professor and chair at Bradley University, Peoria, Ill; professor and associate professor at Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kan; assistant professor of special education at Marywood University, Scranton, Pa.; consultant and diagnostician with Tucson Unified School District One, and summer faculty member at IU South Bend.

While in Arizona, he held several positions as clinic school principal, director of graduate programs, and teaching instructor.

He also taught in South Bend and Michigan City schools.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, his master’s from IU South Bend and his doctorate from University of Arizona.

Horvath said the Midwest and South Bend are special. Returning to the area means being near family members and a chance to come back to IU South Bend. “The people here on campus are wonderful and gracious. It was a good match to come back. It is so comfortable here and people made me feel welcome.”