First 100 Days: Listening, Learning, and Leading

When Daryl Joji Maeda arrived on campus as the Katherine and John Simpson Endowed Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences on July 13, 2026, he set out with a simple philosophy. 

"Since my first day on July 13, I have pursued a course that I am calling, 'Listen, Learn, and Lead."

Over his first 100 days, that philosophy guided his introduction to the College and University community. From welcoming incoming students at College Edge and Convocation events to meeting with alumni, donors, faculty, staff, and community partners, Maeda focused on building relationships and learning what makes Arts & Sciences unique. 

One of Maeda's first priorities was to begin visiting every College department and unit. During his first months, he met with students, faculty, and staff across Arts & Sciences, toured the Meany Center for the Performing Arts and Henry Art Gallery, and attended a welcome reception hosted by his home department, American Ethnic Studies. 

Those conversations reinforced a theme that has surfaced repeatedly in his messages and remarks: the power of bringing people, disciplines, and ideas together. 

"The most exciting breakthroughs happen when disciplines, perspectives, and people come together in unexpected ways." 

In his first Dean's Message, Maeda described Arts & Sciences as a connector across the University, bringing together the arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences to help students navigate complexity, pursue discovery, and create public impact. 

Throughout his first 100 days, Maeda frequently highlighted what he calls "the power of AND" — the College's ability to connect disciplines and perspectives in ways that spark innovation and discovery. 

Speaking to new students at Convocation, he emphasized that Arts & Sciences' breadth enables the College to address complex challenges from a holistic perspective. 

Similarly, during a reception celebrating the Katherine and John Simpson Endowed Deanship, he described the College as: 

"An interdisciplinary incubator, where faculty and students collaborate across traditional boundaries to generate new knowledge and spark discovery." 

From research and teaching to community engagement, Maeda has consistently pointed to interdisciplinarity as one of the College's greatest strengths. 

A highlight of Maeda's first 100 days was the launch of the first-ever College of Arts & Sciences Kickoff & Connections Picnic, which brought together faculty and staff from across the College. More than 100 CAS community members attended the picnic, and about 100 attended the Dean's presentation in person. 120 individuals attended the presentation via Zoom. 

The event reflected his emphasis on connection, collaboration, and creating opportunities for colleagues to engage across departments and disciplines. He told attendees:

"I hope you all enjoyed the picnic portion of the event and had the opportunity to connect with colleagues, maybe meet someone new!" 

The gathering also provided an opportunity to share updates on strategic planning and the College's future direction. 

As he continues his tenure, Maeda is focused on helping launch the College's strategic planning process, aligning College priorities with the University's strategic plan, preparing for a future fundraising campaign, and strengthening the College's long-term financial sustainability and resilience. 

He has emphasized that those efforts will be grounded in transparency, collaboration, and broad participation. 

And as the strategic planning process gets underway, he sees an opportunity for the College community to help shape its future together. 

"This is an opportunity for us to reflect together on who we are as a College, what we value, and where we want to go." 

After 100 days of listening and learning, the work of leading is well underway. Guided by connection, collaboration, and the "power of AND," Maeda is working with the Arts & Sciences community to build on the College's strengths and chart its next chapter.