DeanWuBlog

Professional Background

From time to time, people are curious about my professional background. My career has been dedicated to institutions that have missions.

For nine years, I was a faculty member at Howard University. I was the first Asian American law professor at the school, which, as you likely know, is widely regarded as the leading historically black college/university. I was there by choice, because of my commitment to civil rights and my conviction that I could build bridges in a manner that would not have been possible anywhere else. I was not mistaken. My own life was changed profoundly by my association with Howard University. I could not have written my book, Yellow: Race in America Beyond Black and White, had I not had the experiences, the support, and the relationships provided by Howard University.

In addition, I serve as a Trustee of Gallaudet University. With six years of service, I am the seniormost hearing individual on the Board of a unique institution serving deaf and hard-of-hearing persons. I have studied American Sign Language and done everything I can to learn about, and perhaps even become a peripheral member of, Deaf culture. The example of the outgoing president, Dr. I. King Jordan, is what inspired me to pursue my present job as Dean at our Law School. During a difficult transition period on campus, I remain committed to being part of the future of a place that is not only a university but much more.

For several short periods, I taught at Deep Springs College. As an all-male, full-scholarship highly-selective school located on a student-run cattle ranch near Death Valley, it has become known for a vision set by its founder and continued for generations, training some of the most talented young men I have ever met for a life that is engaged in a manner at once intellectual and practical.