Daryl Maeda selected as dean of the UW College of Arts & Sciences
Our take
The University of Washington’s selection of Daryl Maeda as the next Katherine and John Simpson Endowed Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences marks a significant moment for both the college and the broader academic community. As we look at Maeda’s impressive background—most recently serving as the dean of the University of Colorado Boulder College of Arts and Sciences and a professor of ethnic studies—his appointment signals a commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and a focus on the diverse narratives that shape our society. This move comes at a pivotal time when universities must confront pressing societal issues, from systemic inequality to climate change, as highlighted in recent discussions around research like May research highlights: Rapid river migration, bean plant defense, tiny tensegrities, more.
Maeda’s leadership style and academic focus can potentially reshape the way the College of Arts & Sciences engages with students and faculty alike. His previous experience emphasizes a collaborative and inclusive environment, which is critical in today’s educational landscape where students increasingly seek community and belonging. As WSU students, we understand the importance of a community-first approach; it’s about more than just academic success—it’s about creating spaces where diverse voices can be heard and valued. Maeda’s track record suggests he will prioritize these values, fostering a culture where interdisciplinary collaboration is the norm, not the exception.
Moreover, the timing of Maeda’s appointment is noteworthy. As universities navigate the challenges posed by budget constraints and shifting educational priorities, the arts and sciences often find themselves on the chopping block. Recent articles, such as U of Texas Board Makes It Easier to Fire Faculty, Close Programs, illustrate the precarious nature of academic programs in today’s climate. Maeda’s experience will be vital in advocating for the arts and sciences, ensuring they remain a cornerstone of the academic mission. By championing these areas, he can help secure the resources needed to sustain vital programs and support innovative research that addresses real-world issues.
For students and faculty at UW, Maeda’s arrival brings with it a sense of optimism for the future of the College of Arts & Sciences. His interdisciplinary approach may lead to new initiatives that encourage experiential learning, similar to the hands-on projects many of us value at WSU. The potential for collaboration across disciplines could invigorate the academic experience, making learning more relevant and connected to the challenges we face in the world. As students who balance ambition with community engagement, we can appreciate the importance of a dean who understands the value of growth and independence in education.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how Maeda's leadership influences not just the College of Arts & Sciences, but also the broader narrative of higher education in Washington and beyond. Will he be able to galvanize support for the arts and sciences amidst the pressure to prioritize STEM fields? What innovative programs or partnerships might emerge under his guidance? As we welcome him into this role, one thing is clear: Daryl Maeda’s leadership potentially heralds a new chapter for the College, one that recognizes the vital role of the humanities and social sciences in shaping informed, engaged citizens.
University of Washington Provost Tricia R. Serio announced that Daryl Maeda will serve as the next Katherine and John Simpson Endowed Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. His appointment is effective July 13, pending approval from the UW Board of Regents.
Maeda also was appointed a professor of American ethnic studies. He succeeds Dianne Harris, who will complete her service this year.
Maeda has previously served as the dean of the University of Colorado Boulder College of Arts and Sciences where he also was a professor of ethnic studies. He is an interdisciplinary cultural historian and is a nationally recognized scholar in Asian American studies and comparative ethnic studies.
“Dr. Maeda brings a wealth of experience to all aspects of the role of Katherine and John Simpson Endowed Dean for the College of Arts & Sciences, including a deep commitment to shared governance,” Serio said. “Throughout the selection process, Dr. Maeda repeatedly elevated the broad strengths of the College of Arts & Sciences, and the students, staff and faculty who define them, as foundational to leading the path forward through a framework of opportunity for all.”
Since joining CU Boulder as an assistant professor in 2005, Maeda has served as chair of the Department of Ethnic Studies, associate dean for student success in the College of Arts and Sciences, and dean and vice provost of undergraduate education. Maeda served as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences since June 2024 until he was appointed dean earlier this year. He is returning to the UW where he was an acting assistant professor in the Department of History from 2001 to 2002.
“I am deeply honored to serve the College of Arts & Sciences and grateful for the opportunity to partner with its exceptional faculty, students and staff,” Maeda said. “Together, we will build on the college’s distinguished tradition of discovery, creativity and public impact while advancing an inclusive and inspiring vision for the future.”
The College of Arts and Sciences at CU Boulder has 1,300 faculty members and 400 staff members. The college also has approximately 15,000 undergraduates in 49 majors and more than 2,000 graduate students in 36 doctoral programs and 35 master’s programs. As dean, Maeda managed an annual budget of more than $250 million and led a collaborative process that created the college’s budget allocation model. Under his leadership, the college established new records for first-year retention and six-year graduation rates and set a record for highest annual fundraising in the college’s history.
Maeda has published two books and numerous articles and book chapters on Asian American activism in the 1960s and 1970s. His most recent book, a cultural history of the iconic martial artist and actor — and former UW student — Bruce Lee, was published in 2022.
Maeda earned his doctoral and master’s degrees in American culture from the University of Michigan. He also holds a master’s in ethnic studies from San Francisco State University and a bachelor’s in mathematics from Harvey Mudd College.
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