Dr. Huijian Dong served as the Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Dickinson State University (DSU), bringing a wealth of academic and leadership experience to the institution. With a Bachelor of Science in engineering from South China University of Technology and a Ph.D. in financial economics from the University of Delaware, Dr. Dong's educational background is both broad and distinguished. His passion for teaching drove him to earn a second doctorate in education from Columbia University. Before joining DSU, Dr. Dong held key positions at New Jersey City University, advancing from faculty member to department chair and dean.
A Vision for DSU
Dr. Dong was drawn to DSU by its welcoming culture and the shared commitment among
its community to advance the university's mission. Reflecting on the search process,
he remarked, “North Dakota colleagues and people were friendly and welcoming.” He
also recognized DSU’s eagerness to embrace new ideas, innovation, and modern practices.
Beyond the institutional culture, Dr. Dong was particularly inspired by the opportunity
to impact students’ academic and professional growth. Dr. Dong views the catalyst
for his vision for DSU rests squarely with the the students, sharing "DSU students
are one of the best that I have ever seen."
Facing Challenges Head-On
In recent years, DSU has encountered its share of challenges. Dr. Dong played a pivotal
role in steering the university through these times by fostering collaboration and
communication. He actively participated in faculty senate meetings as a representative
of the president’s office, where he listened to concerns and shared ideas. Among his
notable contributions was updating the university syllabus template to include guidance
on incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into classroom practices—a forward-thinking
move reflecting his commitment to innovation.
Key Contributions to Academic Excellence
Dr. Dong’s tenure has been marked by several impactful initiatives. He revised multiple
university policies, including the class size policy, to enhance course accessibility
for students. Recruitment of high-caliber faculty was another priority; he successfully
filled positions in digital media, English, and biology by leveraging his extensive
professional network. His efforts ensured that DSU’s academic programs remained robust
and forward-looking.
Believing that high-quality teaching is the cornerstone of higher education, Dr. Dong worked tirelessly to align the university’s actions with this philosophy. “Ensuring high-quality teaching is the most important job of the provost, and we must continually innovate and progress,” he stated. To achieve this, he promoted faculty autonomy while encouraging educators to strive for excellence. His commitment to diversity in hiring brought faculty members from varied backgrounds to DSU, reflecting his belief that diverse perspectives are integral to academic quality.
A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
Dr. Dong’s leadership at DSU has set a benchmark for academic and institutional excellence.
His focus on continuous improvement, innovation, and diversity has profoundly shaped
the university's trajectory. By prioritizing teaching and learning, Dr. Dong has left
an indelible mark not only on DSU but also on the broader landscape of higher education.
While he is transitioning to a position to be closer to family in January 2025, he
will be considered part of DSU’s extraordinary academic history.