Loyola University Chicago Names Malini Suchak, PhD, as Dean of School of Environmental Sustainability

Primary Contact:
Gabrielle Abbott
Gabbott3@LUC.edu
     

CHICAGO – March 11, 2025

Loyola University Chicago announced today that Malini Suchak, PhD, has been appointed Dean of the School of Environmental Sustainability (SES) effective July 1, 2025.

Suchak most recently served as a professor and chair of the Animal Behavior, Ecology, and Conservation department at Canisius University in Buffalo, NY. In her role as chair, she oversaw 250 students across two undergraduate programs, including the largest major at the university, and one hybrid graduate program.

“Throughout all of Dr. Suchak’s work, she’s taken a holistic approach to caring for the environment, recognizing the connections between sustainability and social justice,” said Provost Douglas W. Woods. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to Loyola, where her leadership is undoubtedly aligned with the Jesuit, Catholic mission that drives the University.”

Suchak held several other leadership roles at Canisius including co-chairing their Middle States Commission for Higher Education self-study accreditation process and overseeing the Native Plants Project. Additionally, she drafted Canisius’ first three-year action plan for Laudato Sí.

Suchak has also served as a community organizer around food justice and on the Leadership Council of the Good Food Buffalo Coalition. Suchak completed her BS in Biology at Canisius College (now University) and her MA and PhD in psychology at Emory University in Atlanta.

“I’m excited to be joining Loyola and the School of Environmental Sustainability,” Dr. Suchak said. “The work of the talented faculty, staff, and students of SES, in service of the University’s mission around sustainability, is addressing critical issues in society today. I look forward to collaborating to steward SES through the next phase of growth and development.”

Suchak serves as the successor to Nancy C. Tuchman, PhD, founding dean of SES. Under Tuchman’s direction since 2020, SES has developed eight interdisciplinary undergraduate programs, launched a master’s degree program in environmental science and sustainability, doubled the full-time faculty, and expanded student enrollment in these programs to over 500.

“Dr. Tuchman’s impact cannot be overstated,” Woods said. “Her leadership put Loyola in the top 10 percent of greenest colleges in the nation. She will be greatly missed, but her influence will continue to mold and support generations of students to be thoughtful environmental leaders.”

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About Loyola University Chicago 
Founded in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is one of the nation’s largest Jesuit, Catholic universities, with 16,693 students in Fall 2024. The University has five campuses: four in the greater Chicago area and one in Rome, Italy. Ranked a leading national university by U.S. News & World Report, Loyola is also among a select group of universities recognized for community service and engagement by prestigious national organizations including AmeriCorps and the Carnegie Foundation. Loyola is a STARS Gold-rated institution by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education and is currently ranked among the top 25 universities in the United States for its commitment to campus sustainability in The Princeton Review’s “Guide to Green Colleges: 2025 Edition.” To learn more about Loyola, visit LUC.edu or follow us on X via @LoyolaChicago.

About the School of Environmental Sustainability
Loyola University Chicago’s School of Environmental Sustainability (SES) trains the next generation of environmental leaders, preparing students for socially responsible professions in environmental science, policy, education, business, and health. Through original research and community outreach, the school acts as a convener and thought leader, advancing knowledge and action on biodiversity, environmental policy and economics, environmental health, food systems, energy, and climate. Recognizing that the most vulnerable members of society suffer the most from environmental degradation, pollution, and climate change, SES considers justice and equity as integral to strategies for addressing these problems.