Editor's Choice: Jianwei Nu named dean of University College

AUGUST 21, 2024 — Provost and Executive Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Heather Shipley today announced the appointment of Jianwei Niu as dean of University College, effective September 1 after an internal search process. Niu served as associate dean of the college from 2019 to 2023 and has served as interim dean of the college for the last year.

“With a proven track record of innovative leadership and collaboration and a deep commitment to student success, Dr. Niu is uniquely positioned to lead University College into its next chapter,” said Shipley. “Her vision and dedication will undoubtedly enhance our academic community and strengthen our mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities for all students.”

More than 4,000 students are enrolled in University College, which comprises the Multidisciplinary Studies degree programs, Academic Introduction and Strategies program, Writing Program, Air Force and Army ROTC and Dual Credit program.

“My vision for the college is to serve the whole university, especially first-year students. We want to teach all UTSA students the skills they need to succeed.”

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve in this role and continue enhancing our programs to prepare Roadrunners for the diverse challenges and opportunities they will face in their careers,” said Niu. “University College is integral to our students' success; student success is the synergy connecting the college’s programs. My vision for the college is to serve the whole university, especially first-year students. We want to teach all UTSA students the skills they need to succeed.”

Among Niu’s numerous accomplishments in University College, she utilized the multidisciplinary studies degree to develop focused, niche academic programs — including data science, artificial intelligence, game design, and hospitality and event management — using the framework of the college’s multidisciplinary studies degree. Building on the success of the undergraduate program, she led the creation of the master’s program in multidisciplinary studies, which will welcome its first cohort of 25 students this fall. Additionally, she led the development and launch of the online data science graduate certificate in 2021; the program has graduated more than 30 students.

Niu’s plans for the University College include creating a Student Success Center to offer dedicated academic support for its students and developing an honors program for eligible ROTC cadets in partnership with the Honors College. For the Fall 2024 semester, University College is piloting the launch of a living-learning community for students studying data science, artificial intelligence and cyber intelligence. The college also is introducing the Clifton Strengths Assessment in Academic Introduction and Strategies courses to help incoming students identify their top talents and develop self-awareness.

A professor of computer science, Niu joined UTSA in 2005 immediately after earning her Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo. She earned tenure and was promoted to associate professor in 2012 and to full professor in 2017. From 2018 to 2019, Niu served as interim chair of the Department of Computer Science. She joined the leadership of University College in 2019, serving as associate dean until being tapped as interim dean in 2023. She also served as interim academic director of the UTSA School of Data Science from 2019 to 2022.

Niu’s research focuses on software engineering, security and privacy. She has published more than 60 peer-reviewed publications in top journals and conference proceedings and secured more than $9 million in funding as principal investigator or co-principal investigator.

In 2009, Niu earned the UTSA Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching Excellence. She earned the Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award in 2022. She has had 10 Ph.D. students successfully complete their degrees.

“My most rewarding experience has been serving as a mentor to my students and also to young faculty. I enjoy working with people, and you can tell that from my publications and my grant proposals — I always enjoy working with people with diverse expertise,” said Niu. “I believe teamwork is the best approach to solving any problem, and my goal is for University College to continue to be a leader in partnering across campus and across industry to build interdisciplinary teams to address grand challenges in our society.”

— Rebecca Luther