Dickinson State University (DSU) is saddened by the departure of Provost and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Huijian Dong. His tenure at DSU left a lasting legacy and had a profound impact on the university’s academic integrity, structure, and sustainability.
The Role of the Provost
Dr. Dong served as Provost, which is the institution's Chief Academic Officer, where he was responsible for upholding the integrity of academic affairs and ensuring their smooth operation. His passion for academic leadership and extensive experience motivated him to pursue a doctorate in education administration from Columbia University, further strengthening his vision and knowledge of effective academic management. This background shaped his successful tenure as provost.
Budget Review and Strategic Decision-Making
During his time at DSU, Dr. Dong played a pivotal role in navigating budgetary challenges and restructuring the university’s operations. Drawing from his prior experience with budget reviews at New Jersey City University, he collaborated with the Academic Review Committee (ARC) to implement a strategic decision-making framework known as the “3 M” Method: mission, market, and margin.
Dr. Dong emphasized alignment with DSU’s core mission when reviewing academic programs. He challenged stakeholders with questions like, “Why do we exist? Why are we entrusted to spend taxpayer money?” These guiding questions ensured that financial decisions remained true to the university’s foundational purpose and public responsibility.
Market considerations were central to Dr. Dong’s strategy for innovation. He stressed the importance of offering programs that attracted sufficient student interest to be sustainable. Additionally, he prioritized student success in the job market, underscoring the importance of aligning academic offerings with employment opportunities.
Dr. Dong’s focus on financial sustainability required careful attention to program costs. He advocated for the prudent use of resources, noting that programs requiring continuous subsidies were not viable in the long term. “We need to spend the taxpayer’s money honestly and optimally,” he remarked, highlighting his commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Building a New School Structure
Before Dr. Dong’s arrival, DSU’s academic leadership structure consisted of a provost overseeing two deans and 11 department chairs. This setup resulted in redundant administrative efforts. With input from the Administration Review Committee, Dr. Dong led a successful consolidation of departments into four academic schools, each managed directly by a dean. This streamlined structure reduced administrative costs and improved operational efficiency.
Though restructuring was challenging, Dr. Dong remained steadfast. “I am not a yes man. I am true to my values,” he affirmed, underscoring his dedication to making tough but necessary decisions for DSU’s sustainability.
A Lasting Legacy
Dr. Huijian Dong’s tenure at DSU was defined by his unwavering commitment to academic excellence and institutional integrity. His leadership helped DSU navigate difficult times while laying a stronger foundation for future growth. By prioritizing the university’s mission and fiscal responsibility, he left an indelible mark on DSU’s path forward.
Dr. Dong is transitioning to a position in the New Jersey area to be closer to family in January 2025.