In winter quarter, Cal Poly named new deans for three of the six academic colleges. Kate Murphy will lead the College of Liberal Arts, Marc Swackhamer will lead the College of Architecture and Environmental Design and Brian Horgan will lead the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.  

Murphy, an accomplished historian known for her research on the history of science and the transatlantic slave trade, has served as the interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts since August 2024. She joined Cal Poly in 2007 and has served as an educator and in a number of leadership roles within the college, including associate dean for student success.  

As associate dean, she led efforts to make the college more transfer-friendly and spearheaded collegewide initiatives to enhance advising, improve student retention and provide greater support for first-generation students and those facing academic challenges.  She will begin her new role as dean on July 1. 

“I am eager to continue shaping the college’s future and ensuring its success, inspired by my deep admiration for the college and the dedicated individuals who make up its community,” Murphy said.  

Brian Horgan, a professor and associate dean for faculty affairs and development in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University (MSU), will begin serving as the dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences on July 1. At MSU, Horgan led the development of new majors and minors — the first curriculum update in 30 years — working closely with faculty and students to ensure relevance and impact. 

An expert in urban green space conservation, Horgan’s academic work focuses on developing systems-based metrics for resource sustainability. During his tenure at UMN, he led the Science of the Green Initiative, which raised funds for infrastructure and endowed graduate fellowships 

“I am honored to join Cal Poly and contribute to the continued growth and success of one of the nation’s leading institutions for agricultural and environmental education,” Horgan said. “I look forward to working alongside the college’s students, faculty and staff to build on its strong foundation of hands-on learning and impactful research.”  

Swackhamer, who will begin serving as College of Architecture and Environmental Design dean on Aug. 18, is currently serving as chair of the Architecture Department at the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver). He has extensive experience in architectural education, digital fabrication and environmentally responsive design. 

 Prior to CU Denver, he spent 15 years at the University of Minnesota, where he held multiple leadership roles, including head of the School of Architecture and director of the Master of Architecture program. 

“I look forward to working with students, faculty and staff at Cal Poly to foster a culture of innovation, interdisciplinarity engagement and environmental responsibility in the built environment,” Swackhamer said.