Q&A With William Tsutsui, New Dean of Dedman College at SMU

The new dean about what it was like to go through the selection process and what he plans on doing for the university.

(COURTESY PHOTO / THE DAILY MUSTANG)

Dr. William Tsutsui is the new dean of Dedman College and will assume his duties on July 1.

The Daily Mustang’s Andy Garcia had the opportunity to speak on the phone with the newly selected Dedman College Dean, Dr. William Tsutsui.

Garcia and Tsutsui talked about a number of subjects including the new Dean’s experience with the selection process and his aspirations for Dedman College.

Daily Mustang: Why did you decide to apply for the Dean of Dedman position?

William Tsutsui: SMU has a great reputation nationally and regionally, so I knew it was a very good school. I also know it is the kind of school that will be making progress in the coming years.

DM: What did you think of the selection process?

WT: What was really impressive to me was from the beginning I really hit it off with the members of the search committee. I was really impressed by them. I also felt a lot of warmth there, a lot of commitment a real desire to work for SMU and Dedman College, to build it.

DM: How was your official visit to campus?

WT: It was fun. It was raining cats and dogs the day I was on the campus. At least I didn’t get the snowstorm. I didn’t realize how beautiful the SMU campus was. My wife and I used to live in Denton, just for a year, and so we had driven by SMU but never actually set foot on campus. It was amazing to see what a gorgeous place it was and to see how much energy there was on the campus.

DM: What was your reaction to being asked to be the Dean of Dedman College?

WT: It was just stunning to me to be asked. I had really hoped to get this position because I thought the fit was so great and I would be so enthusiastic about working at SMU.

DM: What do you plan on bringing to SMU?

WT: Dedman College has a lot of potential. I think what Dedman College needs more than anything is a leader who will really advocate for the college. Someone who can be out there on campus and in the community saying look at all the great things happening here in the college.

Tsutsui also expressed his support for the new General Education Curriculum, saying that it will bring SMU to the forefront of education.

William Tsutsui is currently the Associate Dean for International Studies and a professor of history at the University of Kansas. He will assume his duties as the Dean of Dedman College on July 1.