CAMPUS ANNOUNCEMENT
Dear Colleagues,
Gunnar Gundersen, Executive Vice President of Tokyo International University America, has announced plans for retiring, effective December 31st, 2018. Gunnar Gundersen has worked at TIUA for over 30 years. In his tenure, Gunnar has made a dedicated and persistent effort to build the quality of what we now refer to as the American Studies Program (ASP).
Gunnar has been instrumental in developing a deep and lasting integration between TIUA and Willamette. This TIUA/Willamette integrated learning model is uniquely effective at building an ethic of global citizenship and service among students involved. It has been demonstrated to be life changing for Willamette and TIU students. Gunnar’s persistent efforts have also contributed to the deepening partnership between Tokyo International University and Willamette.
This fall, Gunnar will focus his final months on supporting the accreditation renewal process for TIUA, and assisting the new TIUA management team. There will be time later in the fall semester to honor Gunnar and wish him well on his retirement.
Tokyo International University of America has announced they are moving forward with a new management team structure. Leading this new TIUA Leadership Team will be Lora Yasen, Director of TIUA Academic Affairs; Masaki Shimada, Director of TIUA Student Affairs; and Toru Tanabe, Director of TIUA Administration and Secretary. The Team will support the Chancellor and President of TIUA in their strategic decisions and take full responsibility for operating the academic programs and services provided by TIUA to support the American Studies Program at Willamette.
In an additional effort to strengthen communication and facilitate seamless integration of programs and services, Tokyo International University has announced that the TIUA Board of Directors will change membership. Newly appointed Board members include Carol Long, WU Provost and Senior Vice President; and Jim Bauer, President of the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges and Universities. All are confident that this new organizational structure will enhance the strong alliance amongst Tokyo International University, TIUA, and Willamette University, as well as better support TIUA to provide outstanding educational services to its students.
Best Regards,
Provost and Senior Vice President