Get to know David E. McIntosh, dean of the School of Education

David E. McIntosh, PhD, is the new dean of Loyola University Chicago’s School of Education. He comes to Loyola after 25 years at Ball State University, where he served as the Interim Dean of Teachers College and held the position of the David and Joanna Meeks Distinguished Professor of Special Education and Professor of Psychology–Educational Psychology. In his extensive career, he has been deeply involved in educational psychology and special education, with a particular focus on neurodivergent students. 

Dean McIntosh is excited to join the Loyola community and looks forward to advancing the school’s mission, grounded in Jesuit values and social justice. He is eager to work with faculty, staff, and students to foster an environment that prepares future educators and community leaders to contribute to society and promote justice in their communities. 

What attracted you to Loyola and the School of Education? 

I was drawn to Loyola because of its diverse learning community and the strong emphasis on service, social justice, and faith. The opportunity to work with a community that values these principles was incredibly appealing to me. 

How did you develop your interest in education and psychology? 

My interest began as an undergraduate working at a summer camp for children with disruptive behavior disorders and learning disorders. It was there that I discovered the transformative power of service in changing children’s lives. Combining education and psychology felt natural, and I have dedicated my career to supporting children with behavioral and mental health issues. I’ve always believed in giving generously through teaching, research, and service to make a positive impact on society. 

Can you share some highlights from your career in education? 

One standout moment was creating a summer camp for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), which continues to run every summer. The camp has made a significant impact by helping children with ASD develop social skills, improve behavior, and achieve academic success in reading, math, and science. Another highlight is developing a nationally recognized master’s program in Applied Behavior Analysis with an Emphasis in Autism, which now graduates over 500 students annually. 

What are you looking forward to as dean of the School of Education? 

I’m eager to work with faculty, staff, and students to continue and strengthen our focus on Jesuit higher education. Implementing and advancing our strategic plan and other mission-related projects is a priority for me. Additionally, I am excited to engage with our community partners and build on our successes while also finding innovative ways to grow and support both existing and new programs. 

How do you see Loyola’s mission influencing future educators and community leaders? 

Loyola’s mission of social justice is more critical than ever in today’s world. Our graduates will be educational ministers who promote justice, morality, spirituality, and diversity in their classrooms. They will embrace and define community in the broadest terms, continuing Loyola’s legacy of service and advocacy. 

What initiatives at Loyola or within the School of Education are you excited about? 

I’m inspired by the renewed synergy around Loyola’s mission, with a strong call for all academic units, faculty, staff, and students to embody the Jesuit values of social justice and community service. This momentum is exciting, and it sets the stage for a bright future for the School of Education. However, we must be prepared to work closely with other academic units and our community partners to attract and retain students. As the number of college-age students declines, we will need to work even harder to draw those who are passionate about Loyola’s mission and eager to learn from our nationally recognized faculty. 

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? 

I’m an avid outdoors person and enjoy fishing, particularly for walleye, smallmouth, and muskie. I also love hiking, especially backcountry hikes in national parks. When I’m not outdoors, I like to make Adirondack furniture, which is another creative outlet for me. 

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