Meet the dean: Thomas Stubblefield

Thomas Stubblefield is the new has dean of the College of Arts and Letters at Michigan State University, effective July 1, 2025.

Stubblefield describes his background and research interests. He tells why he was attracted to MSU and the deanship of CAL. The dean talks about curriculum, research, and outreach activities and initiatives in the college. He talks about his short- and long-term goals for CAL, emphasizes the value of the arts and humanities, and discusses challenges and opportunities facing CAL, MSU, and higher education.

Conversation Highlights:

(0:21) - Give us some highlights from your background.

(2:16) - Do you have any experience with MSU and/or the state of Michigan?

(3:14) - Describe your research interests and scholarly endeavors.

(4:45) - What attracted you to MSU? And why do you want to be dean of the College of Arts and Letters?

(7:04) - What are some of the curriculum, research, and outreach activities and initiatives of the college?

(9:59) - What are some of your short-term goals for the college?

(11:49) - What about some longer-term goals?

(13:30) - Talk about the importance and value of the arts and humanities.

(15:01) - What are some of the challenges and opportunities ahead for the college, MSU, and higher education?

(16:40) - What are your Uncommon Will. Far Better World. campaign priorities? And talk about the importance your donors to the college’s future.

Full transcript