Associate Professor Paulin Straughan is set to assume the position of dean of students at the Singapore Management University (SMU) from the first of July this year. She will take over from Professor Ong Siow Heng, who will become dean of international affairs. Associate Professor Straughan will also be professor of sociology (practice) at SMU’s School of Social Sciences.

SMU provost Lily Kong said Prof Straughan’s experience with students makes her an “excellent fit” for her new job. Prof Kong says, “”Her experience working to address student needs and enhance student development opportunities stands her in very good stead for the role.”

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and statistics, Straughan pursued her master’s and doctorate in sociology at the University of Virginia. She partly decided to take up the SMU role after she noticed that her younger son, who used to be reserved, enjoyed the challenge of thinking on the spot and airing his opinion.

Despite the more “administrative-heavy” job scope, Prof Straughan hopes to be able to find time to teach students at SMU. She says, “At the end of the day, teachers inspire. Coming to a university means that you have to put students at the heart of everything that you do.”