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WILLIAMSBURG — William & Mary recently announced the inaugural dean of the university’s new School of Computing, Data Sciences and Physics, slated to open in fall 2025.
W&M alumnus and computer scientist Douglas “Doug” Schmidt will lead the first new school to open at the university in over 50 years. Housed in the new Integrated Science Center building, the school aims to address “student and employer demand, elevate W&M’s national profile, strengthen research and faculty recruitment and promote interdisciplinary collaborations,” according to the university website.
University Provost Peggy Agouris called Schmidt a “pioneering scholar and a prolific author with a strong commitment to service” who will help “prepare new generations of students for careers that make a difference.”
Schmidt attended William & Mary as both an undergraduate and graduate student, receiving both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sociology before earning a master’s degree and doctorate in computer science at the University of California, Irvine. He currently serves as the director of Operational Test & Evaluation for the U.S. Department of Defense after being nominated by President Joe Biden in 2023. For the past few decades, Schmidt has also worked for Vanderbilt University as associate provost, co-director of the Data Science Institute, and a computer science professor.
Schmidt said he is excited to move back to Williamsburg to serve his alma mater.
“When I was a little kid, we used to go to Williamsburg all the time for family vacations. That’s partly what motivated me to go to William & Mary in the first place. In fact, I was so sure I wanted to go there that I applied early decision and it was the only place I applied,” Schmidt said.
Studying sociology at the university gave him the necessary liberal arts background to be able to think critically once he graduated, Schmidt said. Friendships and mentorships fostered at William & Mary are now the reason why he was able to make the leap to computer science. To Schmidt, it gives him “the chance to leverage all the great critical thinking skills and communication skills (he) learned at William and Mary as an undergraduate and master’s student and apply that in the context of advanced technology.”
Schmidt’s role will requite him to unite the disciplines of computer science, data science, applied science and physics and oversee research, grants and doctoral program enrollments. To accomplish these goals, Schmidt has four primary goals for the new school: foster the foundational values of William & Mary, accelerate university recognition for research efforts, create a holistic curriculum that responds to job competitiveness and work together with his new team to create new ideas and outcomes.
W&M President Katherine Rowe, in a news release, called Schmidt “a respected leader in government, higher education and multiple industries.”
“From an exceptional liberal arts and sciences foundation he built the capacities needed for a rapidly changing data workforce,” she said. “He understands at a personal and professional level what will differentiate our new school from the competition.”
Along with his position as dean, Schmidt also hopes to continue in his passion for educating and is delighted to return to working with students. To him, “there’s something exciting about getting to help guide young minds.” Specifically, he hopes to foster interdisciplinary studies and interests at the new school.
“I’m particularly excited about being able to put together new programs in these disciplines that reach across all of campus,” he said. “I think in some sense that’s what we’re creating at William & Mary. We’re creating people who are going to be able to adapt, to change their focus many times. And I think those are exactly the kind of students who come to William & Mary.”
More information about the new School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics, including blueprints and timelines, can be found at wm.edu/about/administration/provost/action-areas/newschool.
Emma Henry, eghenry1502@gmail.com
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