The National University of Singapore (NUS) announced that Professor Simon Chesterman will serve as the inaugural dean of the newly established NUS College, effective from July 1. This new college is a result of the merger between Yale-NUS College and the NUS University Scholars Programme. Chesterman, who has been the dean of NUS Law since 2012, will continue in that role while the university searches globally for his successor.

NUS College is set to welcome its first cohort of 400 students for the 2022-2023 academic year, offering an interdisciplinary education that integrates various fields of study. NUS President, Professor Tan Eng Chye, expressed confidence in Chesterman’s leadership, highlighting his passion for interdisciplinary education and his significant contributions to the global education landscape.

In addition to being the dean-designate, Prof Chesterman will also take on the role of vice-provost of educational innovation at NUS. He is enthusiastic about building the new college, stating that it will provide an educational experience that transcends disciplinary and geographical boundaries.

NUS College, the first honors college of its kind at NUS, will integrate the best aspects of both the University Scholars Programme and Yale-NUS College. It will offer pathways to nearly 50 majors, ranging from the humanities and sciences to business and law. Residential living and learning will also be central to the student experience, providing opportunities for global exposure, networking, and character development.

Despite initial controversy surrounding the closure of Yale-NUS College, the new NUS College aims to continue fostering a broad-based interdisciplinary education with smaller class sizes, interactive teaching, and a close-knit campus community. Financial aid will be available to ensure that no student is denied access due to financial difficulties, reinforcing NUS’s commitment to needs-blind admissions.