NEWS

Louisiana Tech University has announced the appointment of Dr. Matthew Thornton as the new department head of the School of Human Ecology in the College of Education and Human Sciences. A 2001 graduate from Louisiana Tech, Thornton brings decades of leadership experience in nonprofit and academic sectors with a deep commitment to student success.

“My vision for the School of Human Ecology is to become a collaborative hub where research, teaching, and community engagement intersect,” Thornton said. “The potential to connect academic work with meaningful outcomes for families and communities in our area is energizing.”

Thornton earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Louisiana Tech, where his interest in the human experience and family systems first began. He then earned a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy, with his career focused primarily on supporting children and adolescents who have experienced trauma or hardship.

“Many of the challenges children face cannot be separated from the context of their family and community,” Thornton said. “I believe family and community are the most powerful change agents in the lives of children. That belief is what draws me to Human Ecology.”

For the past 20 years, Thornton has worked at the Center for Children and Families, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting safe, healthy environments for children. He has served in a number of leadership roles there, including therapeutic services director, COO, and, most recently, CEO.

“Dr. Thornton brings with him a wealth of experiences that will be invaluable to the growth and continued successes of the School of Human Ecology,” Dr. Henrietta Williams Pichon, dean of CEHS, said. “He is a pillar of the social and public service sector, and we are so excited that we will be able to work with him in this capacity.”

Leading a multistate nonprofit organization exposed him to opportunities to navigate complex systems, form strategic partnerships, and grow as a leader. Throughout his professional career, he also maintained ties to higher education, teaching at institutions such as the University of Holy Cross, William Carey University, the University of Louisiana Monroe, and Northwestern University in Illinois.

“These experiences helped me learn how to create environments where theory, practice, and research intersect,” Thornton added. “I want to support student development with an eye toward real-world application. Growth starts with a quality educational experience that prepares our students to make an impact in the field.”

Thornton aims to increase visibility for the School of Human Ecology and its unique degree programs, which offer students hands-on experiences, opportunities to collaborate on faculty research, and strong connections with local and regional community partners. He also plans to support the development of certificate programs and new areas of research.

“I am coming to the school at a time when there is great energy and excitement about increasing certificate programs that will help students prepare for the challenges ahead,” Thornton said. “The fashion merchandising and retail studies program is one of only two in Louisiana. Students in this program have an opportunity to gain experience with state-of-the-art equipment, where creativity is on full display in the classrooms.”

“Dr. Thornton’s experience in working to improve the art and science of living can be applied as we seek to equip our students for dynamic careers in the fashion industry from product development to consumer,” Pichon added.

In his new role, Thornton is most excited to work alongside faculty, staff, and students to help shape the school’s future.

“The legacy of the School of Human Ecology will be the lasting impact our students make in their communities and professions,” he said. “I’m honored to be a part of that.”