One year retrospect: Dr. Judy Muyskens's thoughts and dreams

Dr. Judy Muyskens started her career as the provost of Nebraska Wesleyan University on June 15 of last year. She is responsible for academic affairs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and University College, as well as numerous student life programs. Among these are housing, athletics and career and counseling.

Looking back at this past year, Dr. Muyskens thinks that being in a new place, adapting to a new culture and understanding people’s goals has been the most challenging part of her journey. However, the friendly staff and caring environment have convinced her that Wesleyan is a good match for her and she feels fortunate to be in a place where faculty care about, support and challenge students.

The first 10 months has been a time for Dr. Muyskens to listen to different opinions and learn about the goals that students have. She hopes to continue getting the University College, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and student life to move as one unit and to improve as a whole.

Dr. Muyskens has served as the vice president for academic programs for the Appalachian College Association and had worked at Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire for 10 years. Compared to these previous institutions, she feels that Wesleyan’s most outstanding strength is the variety of options that students have. Study abroad, service learning and CHIP are all such opportunities that open up the students’ eyes and minds and prepare them for life in the real world.

In future years, Dr. Muyskens plans to reorganize the teaching load of faculty to allow more time spent on individual students and on research work. She will continue the Deans in Jeans program, bring together the student engagement activities that make NWU stand out, continue to look at the different academic programs, get to know more students and improve the campus diversity as well.

Looking back at this 10-month period at Wesleyan, Dr. Muyskens said the people have been her biggest encouragement. “Everyone here works with so much energy and excitement and has so much potential. They are the reason for Wesleyan’s success and high academic quality,” she said.