Dr. Jason Oyadomari named dean at Finlandia

Dr. Jason Oyadomari has been named Dean of the Suomi College of Arts and Sciences (SCAS) at Finlandia University. Dr. Oyadomari has been serving as the Interim Dean for more than a year.

“Jason has done an exceptional job in his leadership role over the past 14 months as Interim Dean,” said Fredi de Yampert, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. “I am confident Jason will continue to professionally represent and advocate for the faculty, staff and students with SCAS and across the Finlandia campus.”

Dr. Oyadomari has been with the university since 2006 when he was brought in as an adjunct faculty member. In 2008 he moved to a full-time faculty role and in 2015 he earned tenure status. His disciplines include aquatic ecology, evolutionary biology, behavioral ecology, fisheries biology and biostatistics.

“I’m honored to be appointed as Dean,” said Dr. Oyadomari. “I like the small environment here at Finlandia, it allows us to respond quickly to the unique student and faculty needs.”

Prior to being hired at Finlandia, Dr. Oyadomari earned his Ph.D. in biology from Michigan Technological University, M.S. in biology from Eastern New Mexico University and B.A. in zoology from University of Hawaii, Manoa. While taking on the additional duties associated with the role of dean, Dr. Oyadomari will continue to teach courses.

“That was important to me, I love to teach,” he said. “While giving up some teaching was difficult, I get to interact with a greater diversity of students now. I also enjoy planning and organizing, as well as looking at the future growth of our programs.”

SCAS is the largest of the four schools at Finlandia University in terms of students and programs, and includes the university’s general education curriculum. Currently the school is home to more than a dozen academic programs. Learn more about SCAS at finlandia.edu/academics/arts-sciences/. A full biography of Dr. Jason Oyadomari can be found at finlandia.edu/about/directory/user/joyadomari/.