‘Dr. Cass’ shines spotlight on arts, sciences & design programs

With her first semester at Finlandia halfway complete, Dr. Cassandra Hill stopped by the set of Finlandia Fridays this week for an exciting conversation. Hill, dean of Finlandia’s Suomi College of Arts & Sciences and interim dean of the International School of Art & Design, discusses several topics, including what brought her to Finlandia and her innovative vision for the arts, sciences and design programs at FinnU.

While the Keweenaw Peninsula and its many outdoor recreational opportunities may undoubtedly add to the allure of living in the area, Hill talks about how FinnU’s commitment to accompanying the whole student toward a whole life is what captivated her most.

“For the betterment of the whole student, Finlandia stands out from a lot of other places I’ve been,” Hill shared, later adding, “I think that what drew me here was the opportunity to engage, to be front facing with students, with faculty, with parents, with stakeholders.”

Dr. Cass, as her students call her, also shares a few things she enjoys most in her new role.

“When there are student concerns; when we’re talking about ways in which we can better provide support for our students; when we’re talking about shifting our curriculum so that it meets the demands of where students are going to be in their next careers; that’s one of the things that as deans we take great pleasure in,” Hill said. “This idea that we get to work with and for our faculty while also working with and for the students, keeping in mind the greater mission and goals of the institution.”

You won’t want to miss this episode!