The College of Humanities and Social Sciences’ annual Dean for the Day program gave Andriy Shymonyak, a sophomore in history and political science, the opportunity to switch places with Jeffery Braden, dean of CHASS Friday, March 15.
While Shymonyak attended meeting after meeting as the “dean for a day,” Dean Braden was able to experience the life of a student.
“I was really impressed at the level of leadership competence I saw in students,” Braden said.
Dressed in a suit and tie, Shymonyak met with the Executive Director of Development for CHASS, Marcy Engler, and Development Specialist, Ashley Greene, Friday afternoon.
Shymonyak also met with Jonathan Ocko, the head of the Department of History, and Tracie Reid, the head of Department of Political Science, during his day as the dean of CHASS.
“I’m very interested in people’s journey’s to where they are now,” Shymonyak said.
In response to Shymonyak’s inquiry about what it takes to become a department head, Ocko said altruism is key in addition to the desire to want to help other people succeed.
Reid, on the other hand, said she never had any aspirations to be an administrator even though she became the head of the political science department in August 2012.
Department heads meet with the dean of CHASS about once month to discuss plans for their respective departments including curricula and events. Reid said she views Dean Braden as a mentor and looks to him for guidance.
“It was great to be able to ask questions that I wouldn’t normally get the chance to do,” Shymonyak said.
Shymonyak said he enjoyed getting to know some of Dean Braden’s “go to team” of administrators and he wished he had an extra 20-30 minutes for every meeting.
“I see why he likes being dean,” Shymonyak said. “Everyone I met seems to really enjoy his company and look up to him.”
Shymonyak said he liked being able to see similarities between his leadership roles in campus activities and Dean Braden’s position. Managing money, people, and time is important to being an effective leader, as well as being personable, Shymonyak said.
“It’s always interesting being able to walk in a student’s shoes,” Braden said. “I love feeling like a student again.”
After an what he called an exciting morning of reading about Ukrainian history and attending leadership meetings, Dean Braden showed up late to the Honors Village Fellows Meeting, “just like Andriy always does,” according to the Fellows Committee.
Both Dean Braden and Shymonyak said it was hectic running around campus all day barely making it to meetings and events.
Dean Braden said he looks forward to this experience every year since each student he switches places with is different from past students.
Shymonyak said the experience was a lot to take in but he’s glad he got the opportunity. He said he has a new appreciation for the administration and everything it does.
