Interim Dean Youngman Discusses W&L’s Future
Interim Dean Youngman Discusses W&L’s Future
Paul Youngman addresses his goals as dean of the college and the future of academia.
(Dean Paul Youngman. | SOURCE: Washington and Lee University)
Paul Youngman is no stranger to Washington and Lee, an alumnus of the class of 1987 and a long-time faculty member. Yet, he is embarking on a new role after being elevated to interim dean of the college following Dean Chawne Kimber’s departure.
Youngman recently sat down with The Spectator, reflecting on his past roles at W&L and his goals for his future position as interim dean.
Youngman has served as associate provost for academic development and operations since his elevation in 2018, and has taught German during his whole time working at W&L. He returned to W&L in 2012 as an associate professor of German, and now serves as the Redenbaugh Professor of German. Additionally, he has served as a faculty representative to the Board of Trustees and on several on-campus committees. He is also the parent of a current W&L student.
When asked to reflect on what has changed most at W&L since his time as a student, he responded, “The quality of students has risen significantly.” “I attribute a lot [of the increased quality of students] to coeducation and the Johnson scholarship,” he said.
Youngman believes that academic innovations and improving student quality make W&L great. “I want to continue driving academic innovation. You can see it with the interdisciplinary research and opportunities,” he explained. Youngman desires to continue adding to these innovations within W&L’s liberal arts education through his role as interim dean.
Younman believes W&L is a remarkable place that will attract numerous applicants for the Dean position because of its “clear mixture of innovation and tradition.” He argued that this mixture “is the fundamental driver of W&L, and it gives the faculty and students joy to be in that mixture.”
Youngman additionally tied W&L’s mission statement to its balance of innovation and tradition. He explained, “There are aspects of our mission you find at many, if not most, of our peer institutions, but we are nearly alone with our emphasis on honor, integrity, and civility.” He noted that these values are upheld through the Honor System and Speaking Tradition, both essential elements of W&L’s long-standing tradition that Youngman desires to maintain in his new role.
Regarding his future goals and vision, Youngman explained that his top priority is “to ensure continuity in the university's pursuit of the strategic plan.” He also “wants to set the stage for whomever the university brings in as the next dean of the college by continuing to support faculty, staff, and students in maintaining academic rigor and strengthening our sense of community.”
To do this, he will work with Dean Chawne Kimber, who departs in July, along with “faculty, staff, and fellow administrators to ensure a smooth handoff to the next dean.” He will draw on his leadership experiences gained during his high school coaching tenure and his experiences as a soldier “to mentor and support faculty as they navigate their own intellectual and professional paths.”
Overall, Youngman is seeking “no big initiatives” for his time as interim. He is “not focused on the candidacy for the permanent role, but on supporting the university during this transitional phase.”