NTNU Welcomes 35 New Faculty Members, Expands International Expertise
The 2024-25 academic year at National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) begins on September 2nd. To prepare, the Center for Teaching and Learning Development held a 'New Faculty Orientation' on August 14th and 15th for 35 new faculty members. This program included lectures and workshops to help them integrate into campus life. Among them, six international scholars from Austria, Japan, the United States, Australia, Singapore, and South Korea will further enhance NTNU's global teaching and research capabilities.
Strategic Focus: Interdisciplinary Learning, Globalization, and Industry Collaboration
President Cheng-Chi Wu highlighted NTNU's strategic priorities: 'Interdisciplinary Learning,' 'Globalization,' and 'Industry-Academia Collaboration.' With NTNU’s recent transition to a comprehensive university, the emphasis has shifted towards diverse career paths beyond traditional teaching roles, integrating interdisciplinary studies and fostering international and industry connections. Dean of Academic Affairs Mei-Hui Liu noted NTNU's strong global rankings and invited the new faculty to contribute to the university's continued growth.
New Faculty Orientation Facilitates Seamless Integration
During the orientation, senior administrators, including Dean Mei-Hui Liu and Deputy Director of Research and Development Cheng-Hung Lin, provided an overview of available resources, including faculty benefits, responsibilities, regulations, and promotion procedures. Faculty were also encouraged to apply for government-funded projects in emerging technologies, aligning academic research with industry practices.
New Faculty Infuse Fresh Perspectives and Expertise
Among the new faculty, Professor Shih-Hau Fang from the Department of Electrical Engineering, formerly of Yuan Ze University and its AI Center, brings extensive experience in both academics and administration. He will teach courses ranging from Linear Algebra and Probability to advanced topics like Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS).
Associate Professor Ying-Chun Wu, joining the Department of Fine Arts with a Ph.D. from the University of Seville, Spain, expressed her honor at joining NTNU, her first-choice university as a student. She will work at the Center for Art Conservation and Preservation, focusing on artwork maintenance.
Professor Jonathan James Bollen, with 25 years of performing arts education experience from Australia, will teach at NTNU's Department of Performing Arts. He chose NTNU for its prestigious international reputation and comprehensive programs in Performing Arts. He will offer an elective on musical theatre, covering its development and various forms globally.
The College of Education has also recruited experienced educators: Assistant Professor Crystal Chiao (Educational Psychology and Counseling), Assistant Professor Yu-Peng Lin (Adult and Continuing Education), Shan-Shan Chou (Human Development and Family Studies), Associate Professor Yi-Wen Yang (Public Policy and Management), and Assistant Professor Wei-Ning Cheng (Library and Information Studies).
The College of Liberal Arts welcomes Professor Fang-Ying Liao (Hakka Syntax), Professor Hannes Bergthaller (American Literature), Assistant Professor Yu-Ying Chuang (Taiwanese Literature), and Assistant Professor Ryuki Nitta (Taiwan History).
The College of Science has added Professor Daniel Spector (Mathematics), Assistant Professor Chen-Jie Kuan (Computer Science), and Assistant Professor Yi-Chen Chen (Biomedical Industry).
The College of Technology and Engineering welcomes Assistant Professor Pi-Kuang Tseng (Information Education), Professor Shih-Hau Fang (Electrical Engineering), Assistant Professor Yu-Teng Chang (Electrical Engineering), Assistant Professor Po-Wei Liang (Optoelectronics), and Assistant Professor Ching-Wen Chang (Photonics).
The College of Arts has expanded its Department of Fine Arts with Associate Professor Ying-Chun Wu and Assistant Professor Chu-Chun Wei (Art History).
The College of Music welcomes Project Assistant Professor Chia-Wei Lin (Western Music in Taiwan) and Professor Jonathan James Bollen (Drama and Script Analysis).
The College of Sports and Recreation adds Coach Chih-Ting Wu, an alumnus of NTNU, to the Department of Competitive Sports.
The College of International and Social Sciences has recruited Assistant Professor Ya-Hui Chang (International Chinese Language and Culture), Assistant Professor Wei-Jie Hsiao (Mass Communication), and Assistant Professor Yu-Ling Chang (International Human Resource Development).
The College of Management's Graduate Institute of Global Business and Strategy welcomes Assistant Professor Meng-Ting Chen (Economics), Associate Professor Wee Kheng Tan (e-commerce and consumer behavior), and Assistant Professor Jee Youn Koh (Corporate Finance and Governance).
The School of Teacher Education has appointed Assistant Professor Li-Ching Hung, who will oversee the elementary teacher education program.
The Division of Preparatory Programs for Overseas Chinese Students has hired six new faculty members specializing in areas including English teaching, Chinese language instruction, and Mathematics.
The 35 new faculty members bring a wealth of expertise and will enrich the learning environment at NTNU. President Cheng-Chi Wu anticipates that their contributions will help NTNU maintain its strengths and lead in technological and academic innovation.
