David Veenstra steps in as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

As a new semester begins, students in the College of Arts and Sciences will notice a change to the nameplate on the Dean's office. 

Previous Dean Beth McDermott is transitioning to Provost while Professor David Veenstra is settling in as the Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.  

Previously, Veenstra served as the department chair of the History, Political Science, and Criminal and Social Justice Department.  

“I do love teaching,” Veenstra said, “but I also found that I enjoyed the administrative side of it, too.”  

Tasks like scheduling classes and organizing programs offered a slightly different challenge that he became equally passionate about. His time in that role inspired him to pursue the Dean position.  

“When this opportunity came up, that [experience] was kind of the driving force. I had done some of it, and I believed and wondered if I could be effective at the job.” 

As Dean, his goal is to ensure people are having increasingly better experiences in the departments he serves. Veenstra is excited to learn how faculty members approach their disciplines and how he can get them their unique resources; the same for students.  

His intention is not only to support but also to celebrate.  

“What are the things that people are most excited about doing, and how can we help highlight that?” 

This fall, Veenstra is amidst a major shift in life, just like many of our freshmen starting college. He had this advice for students making a big transition: 

“You’re faced with a whole lot of things where you don’t know what they look like... If someone invites you to a club or a study group or to watch a game... try to make a habit out of saying yes.”  

The same goes for when someone offers their help. In these moments, Veenstra noted that “yes” is sometimes a hard word. But it may offer an opportunity to learn. 

Veenstra explains that effectiveness is often something that we strive for. It starts with accomplishing goals or meeting marks.  

“In a day, in a week, in a semester, I hit marks... Often, those are things to accomplish a little bit more, to push myself a little bit further to hit a mark... But there is a self-reflective piece to it,” said Veenstra. “Where can I use my time wiser? Use faculty’s time wiser?” 

Efficacy is more than just efficiency, however.  

“It’s a worldview,” Veenstra said. “It’s showing our core values. Can I be more respectful, have more integrity, have more compassion?” 

It’s clear these values are at the core of Veenstra’s love for USF. 

“It’s the administration, it’s staff, it’s faculty, it’s students, it’s every part of the campus... I love the fact that students will learn everybody’s names, not just the faculty members’ names but everyone – from people in the cafeteria to people in maintenance, in student services... I think people are willing to approach anyone.” 

Veenstra’s time as the Dean is just beginning, but it is clear he already has a lot of passion for the role. 

“I admire and am proud of us.”