Jennifer Waldo

jennifer waldo

What is your current position, and how many years have you been a dean?
One year plus (started August 2023) as Associate Dean, College of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics at Eastern Washington University.

What advice would you give new deans?
Listen, don’t be afraid to talk. Your experience and perspective are important and they’re the reason you’re a dean.

What would you say is your most meaningful contribution as dean?
Maintaining the perspective of the faculty member when making decisions. Thinking about how to draw people into the new direction I want to take.

When you think about the liberal arts, what gives you a sense of hope, what is a concern?
I have a sense of hope when you’re in a conversation with a student and see that ‘aha’ moment when they make the connection between different humanities classes. My hope is coming from individuals.
I’m concerned about the pressure on students to know everything about their entire life’s trajectory, it feels unfair. I get how we got here but it’s a problem.

Why are you a member of CCAS?
My dean has been coming to CCAS for years and it was a natural progression. I’ve been to two annual meetings, it’s really nice to be with people who understand and share their different experiences.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?
The most important thing to me is being a mom, I have a 15-year-old daughter. Being a woman in academia is not easy as we juggle responsibilities and find balance.

What are you currently reading?
We recently received a WSF Advance Grant and I have a hefty reading list about intersectional identities that people have and how it impacts their careers.