Samantha Prins

SAMANTHA PRINS

What is your current position, and how many years have you been a dean?
Dean of College of Science & Mathematics at James Madison University for four years total, two as Interim Dean.

What advice would you give new deans?
Get a network of deans and ask questions.

What would you say is your most meaningful contribution as dean?
I believe I value the human rather than the job function of a faculty member. So, I’m thinking about what’s best for them, how will it help them grow, and the impact on them.

When you think about the liberal arts, what gives you a sense of hope, what is a challenge?
Hope: What brings me hope is that we are seeing an increased understanding in our students that being a mathematician or scientist isn’t enough. You have to understand the world and how it works in order to be successful. Recognizing that context matters and you can’t live in a bubble. The liberal arts bring that perspective.
Challenge: How do we have students and parents value liberal arts and not just view them as something that has to be done? There is such emphasis on career readiness, do 'work credits' replace core liberal arts credits? With accreditation requirements the humanities will
likely lose out.

Why are you a member of CCAS?
It’s a supportive organization where you can find your people.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?
I’m from New Zealand. I slept on the beach overnight with a whale: I worked for a whale rescue organization and there was a stranded Minke whale and three of us took turns keeping it wet. While I was with it, I regurgitated my algebra homework and if I stopped talking the whale would cry.

What are you currently reading?
I don’t often read fun books but I just read Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez on a flight.