At Dickinson State University (DSU), the focus on academic and career success drives administration, staff, faculty, and students. This philosophy is also important to DSU Provost Dr. Huijian Dong, who has a life-long connection to higher education.
Dong’s higher education journey began early. Raised by parents who were both academics, he spent his childhood in classrooms, practicing math on the backs of syllabi while his parents taught. Today, his parents still reside on a college campus -- a world familiar to three generations of his family.
Earning his first Ph.D. in financial economics from the University of Delaware, Dong’s career progressed quickly from faculty member to department chair to dean. His dedication to teaching led him to pursue a second doctorate in education at Columbia University. “As I taught more, I realized I have three inseparable interests: teaching, research, and administration,” Dong explains. "I love explaining complicated things, and I enjoy the positive impact of being an administrator."
Dong fosters a supportive work culture and believes that happy faculty lead to successful students. “Faculty are also husbands, wives, sons, daughters, moms, and dads,” he says, stressing the importance of creating a fulfilling environment for them.
DSU’s entrepreneurial opportunities drew Dong to the university, particularly the chance to impact first-generation students in meaningful ways. He credits his success to the collaborative, supportive environment at DSU that he feels reflects his leadership style.
As Chief Academic Officer, Dong is proactive in shaping the university’s future, focusing on three major goals: academic excellence, student success, and community service.
Academic Excellence
Dong emphasizes the “DSU Difference,” ensuring that students have access to and receive
a high-quality education. Rejecting the notion that college is merely an extension
of high school, he encourages faculty to teach at their best and push students to
excel. He firmly believes that no subject is too difficult for DSU’s students.
Student Success
While DSU has a history as a teaching college, it also offers extensive research opportunities.
According to Dong, many students lead significant research projects, gaining hands-on
experience to prepare them for successful careers. He believes in challenging DSU’s
“premium quality” students to fully equip them for the workforce.
Community Service
As a public university, DSU plays a key role in serving the local community. Dong
highlights the university’s contributions to the workforce, from training teachers
for local schools to preparing nurses for long-term care facilities, clinics, and
hospitals. “We’re here to serve,” he says.
Guided by these three pillars, Dr. Dong remains focused on fostering continued growth and success at DSU.