A Conversation with Dean Maria Cruz–Saco

by: Faraneh Carnegie ’05

Maria Cruz-Saco’s warm and infectious smile, impeccable credentials, and sincerity have all contributed to her seamless transition as the new dean of the college at Wesleyan. Cruz-Saco came to the University from Connecticut College where she was a professor of economics from 1990–2005 and the interim dean of the college from 2003–2005.

Her passion for students, her expertise as a scholar in social protection and the reform of social security systems in Latin America, and her extensive experience in higher education have helped to ensure her success.

How has your first year been as dean of the college?

Maria Cruz-Saco: It was a very good year! It is challenging to oversee the overall well-being of the entire student body – academically, socially, and personally. It is a broadly defined position, but I am fortunate to have a very professional and experienced staff. It has been a pleasure to work with committed individuals, who love to work with students and understand the importance of putting their needs first.

What were your main goals this year?

MCS: To connect with students. I attended Wesleyan Student Assembly (WSA) meetings to better understand issues discussed at the student assembly. Rick Culliton, dean of campus programs, also attended these meetings. Our presence facilitated an immediate response to many concerns and questions that arose throughout the year. Another goal was to hire the dean of diversity and academic advancement. I worked with members of the Multicultural Task Force and consulted extensively with students, faculty, and staff to define the responsibilities of this position. I appointed a search committee that included broad representation of key campus constituencies. The search, chaired by Michael Whaley, dean of student services, ended successfully in June when Dr. Daniel Teraguchi agreed to join the staff in the Office of the Dean of the College.

I also appointed a Diversity and Academic Advancement Advisory Board comprised of students, faculty, and staff members to act as the eyes and ears of the community and to support our efforts to become a truly inclusive community where all thrive. The Advisory Board will collaborate in the assessment of diversity issues and recommend strategies to further enhance our campus climate. I anticipate that the Advisory Board will be reviewing our protocol for reporting bias incidents and will consider best practices on how to address them. Another project is the reestablishment of a mentoring program between students of color and alumni of color. I’m excited about supporting a meaningful connection between students and alumni of color.

Have you made any changes to the First Year Orientation program?

MCS: Yes, in fact, we have established partnerships with the Center for the Arts and other academic departments to create a yearlong program of events to continue the orientation experience long after the first week of school. We would like to establish First Year Matters as a program that raises awareness and provides multicultural credentials. We will be bringing the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, playwright Charles Mee, and Manning Marable, professor of history and political science at Columbia University, to campus to share what they feel diversity means. We believe that students should be versed in a vocabulary that enables them to discuss and navigate their experiences in a diverse society.

What inspired you to make the transition to the administrative side of academia?

MCS: My passion for students. Wesleyan has an amazing reputation as an institution that has been historically committed to advancing the voices of people of color. At the end of my first year, I can say that Wesleyan sets an example for many institutions. The connection that exists between alumni and the University is exemplary. As a scholar of social protection, I am inspired by this institution’s commitment to social justice and the advancement of human rights.

Is there any message you would like to send to alumni of color?

MCS: Be more connected with our office. Current students would be inspired by your work and experiences.