By Dixie Reid

April 23, 2021

Two seasoned academic leaders will helm the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) and College of Health and Human Services (HHS) as interim deans while Sacramento State conducts a national search for permanent leadership. 

Both individuals have made significant contributions to their respective colleges during their time at the University.

Kevan Shafizadeh, ECS associate dean since 2016, begins his appointment Tuesday, June 1, following the departure of Lorenzo Smith, who leaves Sac State to become provost and executive vice president at Stephen F. Austin State University, in Texas. 

Mary Maguire, HHS associate dean since 2017, has served her college as interim dean since March 8, following the retirement of Robin Carter.  

Steve Perez, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, made the announcements. 

Shafizadeh came to Sac State in 2004 as an assistant professor of Civil Engineering and served as the department’s chair from 2012-15.  

As associate dean, he launched teaching and research initiatives, improved graduation and job-placement rates, expanded student services, and upgraded laboratory facilities.  

Shafizadeh holds degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Washington, where he earned his doctorate, and UC Davis, where he completed his undergraduate and graduate work. 

He is a licensed professional civil engineer and a recognized expert in transportation engineering and planning. 

“Because of these impressive accomplishments, Dr. Shafizadeh is well-prepared to lead the College of Engineering and Computer Science as it continues to transform the lives of students and meet the growing engineering, construction management, and computer science needs of the Sacramento region,” Perez said. 

Maguire came to Sac State in 2005 as an assistant professor in the Division of Criminal Justice, and then chaired the division for five years before becoming the college’s associate dean. 

She earned her doctorate and a master’s degree in Social Work from Portland State University, and holds a master’s in Psychology from Linwood University, as well as a bachelor’s in English from William Woods University.  

Maguire is a graduate of Harvard’s Management Development Program and the HERS Leadership Institute. She is past president of the Western Society of Criminology and received the organization’s J.D. Lohman Award for outstanding service.  

“Join me in congratulating Dr. Maguire as she leads the faculty, staff, and students of the College of Health and Human Services,” Perez said. 

“From the awarding of bachelor’s degrees to doctorates, the college is meeting the needs of the Sacramento region and transforming students’ lives through efforts such as new degree programs and dramatic improvements in graduation rates.”