AUGUST 21, 2024 — Provost and Executive Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Heather Shipley today announced the appointment of Jianwei Niu as dean of University College, effective September 1 after an internal search process. Niu served as associate dean of the college from 2019 to 2023 and has served as interim dean of the college for the last year.
“With a proven track record of innovative leadership and collaboration and a deep commitment to student success, Dr. Niu is uniquely positioned to lead University College into its next chapter,” said Shipley. “Her vision and dedication will undoubtedly enhance our academic community and strengthen our mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities for all students.”
More than 4,000 students are enrolled in University College, which comprises the Multidisciplinary Studies degree programs, Academic Introduction and Strategies program, Writing Program, Air Force and Army ROTC and Dual Credit program.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve in this role and continue enhancing our programs to prepare Roadrunners for the diverse challenges and opportunities they will face in their careers,” said Niu. “University College is integral to our students' success; student success is the synergy connecting the college’s programs. My vision for the college is to serve the whole university, especially first-year students. We want to teach all UTSA students the skills they need to succeed.”
Among Niu’s numerous accomplishments in University College, she utilized the multidisciplinary studies degree to develop focused, niche academic programs — including data science, artificial intelligence, game design, and hospitality and event management — using the framework of the college’s multidisciplinary studies degree. Building on the success of the undergraduate program, she led the creation of the master’s program in multidisciplinary studies, which will welcome its first cohort of 25 students this fall. Additionally, she led the development and launch of the online data science graduate certificate in 2021; the program has graduated more than 30 students.
Niu’s plans for the University College include creating a Student Success Center to offer dedicated academic support for its students and developing an honors program for eligible ROTC cadets in partnership with the Honors College. For the Fall 2024 semester, University College is piloting the launch of a living-learning community for students studying data science, artificial intelligence and cyber intelligence. The college also is introducing the Clifton Strengths Assessment in Academic Introduction and Strategies courses to help incoming students identify their top talents and develop self-awareness.
A professor of computer science, Niu joined UTSA in 2005 immediately after earning her Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo. She earned tenure and was promoted to associate professor in 2012 and to full professor in 2017. From 2018 to 2019, Niu served as interim chair of the Department of Computer Science. She joined the leadership of University College in 2019, serving as associate dean until being tapped as interim dean in 2023. She also served as interim academic director of the UTSA School of Data Science from 2019 to 2022.
Niu’s research focuses on software engineering, security and privacy. She has published more than 60 peer-reviewed publications in top journals and conference proceedings and secured more than $9 million in funding as principal investigator or co-principal investigator.
In 2009, Niu earned the UTSA Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching Excellence. She earned the Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award in 2022. She has had 10 Ph.D. students successfully complete their degrees.
“My most rewarding experience has been serving as a mentor to my students and also to young faculty. I enjoy working with people, and you can tell that from my publications and my grant proposals — I always enjoy working with people with diverse expertise,” said Niu. “I believe teamwork is the best approach to solving any problem, and my goal is for University College to continue to be a leader in partnering across campus and across industry to build interdisciplinary teams to address grand challenges in our society.”
UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
Howdy Rowdy Bash will be held at Six Flags Fiesta Texas and is exclusive to the UTSA community. Enjoy access to rides, games, music, and fun. Your ticket purchase includes access to Howdy Rowdy Bash plus an additional Six Flags Fiesta Texas entry ticket for use anytime in September.
Six Flags Fiesta TexasCome to the Alamodome for the season's first UTSA Football Home Game and participate in Rowdy Rush! Wear your best orange UTSA fit for this Orange Out game. Come to the Student Indoor Tailgate before kickoff to play games, eat food, and get hyped to cheer on the Roadrunners as they take on the Owls! Then be part of Rowdy Rush to form the tunnel for the players' entrance before kickoff.
AlamodomeCheer on the UTSA Soccer team as they take on Colorado State. Head over to Park West for this spirited experience!
Park West Athletic ComplexIn observance of Labor Day, UTSA will be closed on Monday, September 2. Plan a day exploring San Antonio with your roommate(s) and new friends.
Main Campus and Dowtown CampusLearn some planning, researching, and writing tips to help you with upcoming writing assignments.
Writing Center, (JPL 2.01.12D,) John Peace Library, Main CampusUTSA Police Department and Office of Risk and Emergency Management will host a safety information center with giveaways and interactive demonstrations. Both departments will provide information on services available to the UTSA community.
Student Union Window Lounge, Main CampusExplore ways of engaging with the community through our community-based work-study program. Voter registration and voter engagement opportunities with our community partners will also be shared.
McKinney Humanities Breezeway, Main CampusThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .
The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.
