New Leadership to Guide CC&E’s Growing Academic Programs

BATON ROUGE - Academic programs in LSU’s College of the Coast & Environment (CC&E) continue to soar, with new opportunities giving students more ways to prepare for careers addressing some of today’s most pressing environmental and coastal challenges.

Over the past year, CC&E launched a new Bachelor of Science in Coastal Meteorology, the only undergraduate program of its kind in the nation and expanded access to its Bachelor of Science in Coastal & Environmental Sciences (CES) by introducing a fully online option.

As the college’s academic offerings grow and evolve, CC&E is also strengthening the leadership that supports them.

Dr. Steve Midway, professor in the Department of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences (DOCS), has been named CC&E’s Associate Dean for Academics. In this senior leadership role, Midway will help guide the college’s academic programs, curriculum development, student success and continuous improvement efforts. Midway will also temporarily lead its B.S. in Coastal & Environmental Sciences program.

A respected fisheries ecologist, Midway brings extensive academic, administrative and university service experience to the position. He previously served as associate director of the B.S. in Coastal & Environmental Sciences program and as the DOCS graduate advisor, giving him a strong understanding of the needs of both undergraduate and graduate students.

His service on college and university committees, including the Institutional Effectiveness Council and curriculum committees, has also provided valuable experience working across disciplines to strengthen academic programs. In the classroom, Midway has taught a wide range of innovative and rigorous courses that have been well received by students.

Midway’s expertise extends beyond fisheries ecology. He is an advocate for effective scientific communication and co-authored The Science of Writing: From Sentence Construction to Impact Factor. His scholarly work also includes publications on effective data visualization and communicating science in the digital age.

In addition to overseeing academic initiatives, Midway will help advance philanthropic support for CC&E’s educational mission, with an emphasis on increasing student scholarships and creating additional opportunities to recognize excellence in faculty teaching and mentoring.

“For a decade, Steve has served LSU with distinction, building a wealth of experience in academia, leadership, philanthropy and science communication. His deep understanding of our college and commitment to our students make him exceptionally well prepared to lead our academic programs,” said Clint Willson, dean of the LSU College of the Coast & Environment and associate vice chancellor for Water & Coast.

Midway’s appointment comes at an exciting time for CC&E, as the college continues to expand its academic reach and prepare the next generation of scientists, environmental professionals and coastal leaders.