Professor Jean-Sabin McEwen
WSU Pullman
Professor, Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Candidate Statement on Prior Service
Since 2022, I have been privileged to serve on the Faculty Senate as a representative for the Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering. This role has allowed me to actively engage in university-wide academic and policy discussions, advocating for the interests of my department and faculty colleagues. Prior to this, I contributed to the university’s strategic initiatives through my service on the Center for Institutional Computing Advisory Committee, of which I was part from 2016 until recently.
Department
At the departmental level, I currently serve as the Chair of the Research Committee, where I organize initiatives to encourage collaboration among faculty. Additionally, I was appointed to the department’s strategic planning committee, where I contribute to shaping our department’s long-term vision and goals. I also serve on the mentoring committee for Qiaowan Chang, a new Assistant Professor in the department, where I assist in supporting her transition into the academic environment at WSU. Over the years, I have served on several other departmental committees, as detailed in my CV, which have further strengthened my understanding of the department’s operations and priorities.
Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
At the college level, I was appointed to the Research Strategic Planning Committee, where I played a key role in developing and advancing the college’s strategic research plan. I have also served twice on search committees for director positions at the Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering—initially for an unsuccessful search, and later for a successful search that led to the appointment of a new director. In addition, I have consistently advocated for continued investment in computing infrastructure, particularly the Kamiak cluster, which is essential to supporting both research and teaching at the university. I was also invited by the college to present a seminar for new faculty, where I shared insights and advice on navigating academic success at WSU.
These experiences have given me a deep understanding of WSU’s academic landscape and the importance of cross-level collaboration in advancing the university’s mission.
Candidate Statement on Commitment to Service
I fully appreciate the significant time and commitment required to serve in faculty senate leadership. My prior experiences in both department- and college-level service, as well as my ongoing roles in the Faculty Senate, have prepared me to balance these responsibilities effectively. I am committed to investing the time required, and I take the role of leadership seriously. In addition to my academic duties, I have actively sought professional development opportunities to strengthen my leadership abilities, including participating in a leadership workshop offered by the college. I plan to apply these skills and insights to ensure that I fulfill the responsibilities of an executive officer with empathy, collaboration, and a focus on the needs of my colleagues.
Vision and Goals for System-Wide Shared Governance
I am committed to the advancement of a shared governance model that is both responsive and forward-thinking as the academic and research landscape evolves. My vision is centered on fostering empathy in leadership, ensuring that the voices of all faculty members are heard and respected. As faculty senate leadership, I would work to strengthen the communication and collaboration between faculty, administration, and students, ensuring that decisions are made with a holistic understanding of their impact on the university community.
My goal is to continue advocating for policies and practices that support faculty success, particularly in areas such as research infrastructure and professional development. I am passionate about advancing a system of shared governance that is not only collaborative but also proactive in addressing the challenges and opportunities we face as a university. Through strategic investment in resources such as computing infrastructure and continued support for faculty development, I believe we can create a more resilient and innovative academic environment which benefits the entire WSU community.