Eight questions with … Dr. Darryl Scriven, new dean of The College
Dr. Darryl Scriven joined Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) on July 2 as the dean for the College of Arts, Sciences, Business and Education. Scriven brings a depth of experience as a professor, administrator and entrepreneur. He has written 10 books, two documentaries and owns five businesses. As dean, Scriven is the academic and administrative leader for the College’s more than 200 full-time and part-time faculty members in 19 departments that enroll more than 3,300 students in courses each year. He also will deliver a series of university-wide lectures this fall in his role as the John W. and Anna H. Hanes Distinguished Professor in the Humanities.
Q: What are your goals over the next few weeks?
A: My goals over the next few weeks are to listen and learn about Winston-Salem State University. After that, I look forward to connecting with faculty and students when they return for the Fall semester.
Q: What is something you’ve learned about WSSU that surprised you?
A: I learned that there is lots of collegiality across campus at WSSU. On my first day, I played in a faculty-staff basketball game that allowed me to meet people in many areas beyond the normal work environment.
Q: How would your former students describe you?
A: They might describe me as eclectic, analytical, and humorous. Learning can be both rigorous and fun. I try to embody both in the classroom.
Q: What’s your message to students?
A: My message to students is "Trust the Process." Students will meet many new challenges and some will be pushed beyond their limits. That's the only way to grow and transform. Take advantage of every opportunity and remember, "Trust the Process."
Q: What inspires you?
A: Seeing my mom struggle so that my sister and I could get an education and live a significant life inspires me. I'm also inspired by the hope of making life better for people that I can help through my work.
Q: What’s something that people may not know about you?
A: What people may not know about me is that I'm a Sherlock Holmes buff. I've been to 221B Baker Street in London which houses the Sherlock Holmes Museum.
Q: What’s the most interesting thing someone can read about you on the Internet?
A: I've produced three documentary films on "The State of the Black College Student," "Overcoming Student Loan Debt," and "Love & Relationships."
Dr. Darryl Scriven (right), dean of The College, participates in a biology research excursion with (from left): WSSU students Ziaqueria Short and Kelsey Douglas, and biological sciences staff Jennifer Sousa and De’Alva Glaspie.
