NC State Poole College of Management has announced Tedd Szeto as the new assistant dean for undergraduate programs effective December 21. Szeto will be replacing Tamah Morant, teaching professor of economics, who previously served in this role.
Szeto brings 27 years of experience in higher education with leadership roles including department chair, associate dean, committee chair, and faculty senator at his previous position alone. During his most current role, as the executive director of the Academic Success Center at Azusa Pacific University, he oversaw nine departments while playing a direct role in establishing and modifying policies related to student success and progress toward degree.
I am excited to have Tedd join our Poole Community. He brings invaluable experience as a collaborative leader and educator that will help us enhance the experience and outcomes of our students.
“I am excited to have Tedd join our Poole Community. He brings invaluable experience as a collaborative leader and educator that will help us enhance the experience and outcomes of our students,” said Frank Buckless, Stephen P. Zelnak Jr. Dean of Poole College.
At Azusa Pacific University, Szeto also served as an associate professor in the department of mathematics, physics, and statistics as well as a faculty research mentor where he oversaw over 30 undergraduates in a variety of projects. Szeto also held faculty positions at Harvey Mudd College and the University of California at Los Angeles.
As the assistant dean, Szeto will be responsible for the holistic development of Poole College students as leaders in our diverse, global community. In partnership with faculty, staff and external constituents, he will provide the resources necessary to empower students to make well-informed decisions in support of their academic, professional, and personal development.
Szeto is a graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles earning his Bachelor of Science in applied mathematics, Master of Arts in mathematics and his Ph.D. in mathematics. He is married to Joanna, a hospice chaplain, and has three beautiful children: JP (13), Tabitha (12), and Deacon (10).
Q&A with Tedd Szeto
Why did you choose NC State and Poole College?
Moving away from southern California, where I spent most of my adult life, will be hard but not that hard. North Carolina offers a better way of life for my family. We have always wanted a place with a variety of outdoor adventures and more than one season. Poole College opens doors to not only my development as a leader but the opportunity to work alongside caring staff and faculty to support academically strong, globally-minded students.
What is your overall vision for the Office of Undergraduate Programs based on the initial conversations with Poole faculty and staff?
Using innovation and collaboration, the Office of Undergraduate Programs (OUP) will continue to empower Poole students to be globally-minded learners, scholars and leaders. I hope to strengthen the sense of team within the OUP office with the goal of partnering with faculty, advancing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in all of our areas as well as ensuring that students are well supported in their academic journey.
What do you plan to do in your first 90 days in the new job?
In my first 90 days, I plan to listen and ask a lot of questions. I’ll be asking staff about assessment, accreditation and alignment to the strategic plan in an effort to gain clarity about the office’s mission and to champion their excellent work.
I’ll ask the faculty how the OUP team can be active and engaged partners in their day-to-day work with Poole students. I’ll engage with our external constituents and, most importantly, I’ll be taking time to hear student stories because I want to figure out how we can broadcast their unique experiences at Poole to the larger community.
However, since my two top CliftonStrengths themes are activator and achiever, my work won’t stop at asking questions; I plan to hit the ground running and move the important work of the OUP forward.
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