This semester, the University welcomes Daniel Hiroyuki Teraguchi, its first Dean of Diversity and Academic Advancement. The Office of Diversity and Academic Advancement, formerly the Office of Multicultural Affairs, was created in response to concerns raised by students in a large protest and two campus-wide forums that took place in December 2004.
Teraguchi is to serve as a student advocate. Among other responsibilities, his mandate calls for support of initiatives that increase awareness and understanding of cultural identities, especially for underrepresented groups, advising the University on issues of diversity and multiculturalism, contributing to the Orientation of new and international students, and facilitating multicultural education on campus.
A committee of students, faculty and staff spearheaded the search for a new dean. When Teraguchi interviewed for the position, students articulated the desire for ways to unite the 200-plus student groups on campus.
“One of the greatest strengths of Wesleyan is its entrepreneurial spirit, but there might be a venue that maximizes this spirit, rather than forcing different ideas to compete against each other,” he said.
Teraguchi also suggested that if the University better reflects students’ multilayered identities, cultures, and interests, it could foster a greater sense of belonging. Necessary to affirmation of identities is providing safe and comfortable environments for student development.
Teraguchi works closely with the Dean of Diversity and Academic Advancement Advisory Committee in his programs to promote diversity on campus. He reports to Dean of the College Maria Cruz-Saco.
In order to reach out and get a good feel of the University community, Teraguchi said he will be as open as possible with students and welcome their feedback. He aims to actively participate in campus events and work closely with student groups and program houses.
“I can’t just sit back and expect people to come to me,” Teraguchi said. “I will actively go to them.”
One of Teraguchi’s ideas is to have student groups decorate his office in North College.
“I want to communicate that this is really the students’ office,” said Teraguchi, who is still working out the logistics of the project.
The intention is for the Diversity Office to reflect the community, and for North College a more welcoming place.
When Teraguchi first heard of the position, he contacted friend Edgar Beckham ’58, who was the University’s first African-American Dean of the College. At almost the same time that Teraguchi was offered the job, Beckham passed away. Teraguchi feels that Beckham’s inspiration and legacy live within this position.
Teraguchi also recalled a recent accident where he was hit head-on by an SUV, but miraculously escaped with minor injuries.
“I should have died or suffered life-long injuries,” Teraguchi said. “But I didn’t. My friends said I was meant for something, and I believe it was this position.”
A fourth-generation Japanese American who grew up in Idaho, Teraguchi received a doctorate of education in Educational Leadership and a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, both from Idaho State University. He has significant experience with campus diversity programs. Since 1998 he has worked with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Global Initiatives at the Association of American Colleges and Universities.
Before moving to Middletown, Teraguchi lived in Washington, D.C. For now, he anticipates returning there at least once a month to visit but, depending on how his experience at Wesleyan goes, his partner, Noriko, and their puppy may both relocate to New York City.
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