Paul Youngman, ’87, is a Washington and Lee alum, parent and professor. Now, he’s also dean of the college. 

“What excites me most is the opportunity to help shape the future of the university that I love,” he said in an interview with the Phi and The W&L Spectator. 

Youngman came to the university as a first-generation college student studying business administration. After serving in the U.S. army, he returned to Washington and Lee in 2012 as an associate professor of German and became a full professor in 2014, according to The Columns. He later rose to several administrative positions, including department chair, associate provost and interim dean of the college, before becoming dean of the college in December. 

“Being an alumnus gives me a long view of the institution with a deep appreciation for what endures and what needs attention,” he said. “It helps me understand how decisions feel from a student’s perspective and also from a parent’s perspective.”

In his previous role as interim dean of the college, Youngman said he assisted in the creation of the Hal and Barbra Higginbotham Endowment for the Arts and Humanities, a fund designed to increase student participation in the arts and humanities.

“We want to be as proactive as we can about [arts and humanities enrollment], rather than just following a nationwide trend,” Youngman said. He also said one of his priorities is to integrate the arts more visibly into campus life. 

Another one of Youngman’s goals is to renovate the science center. He said there is a 5- to 7-year timeline to complete the project.

“And along with that,” Youngman said, “we are considering pursuing accreditation for the engineering program.”

The university is only considering this accreditation, he said. No final decision has been made. 

Youngman said he also values preserving the university’s institutional identity.

“A confident sense of our identity means understanding our institutional traditions, our culture and so forth,” he said. 

Youngman pointed to his military background as influential in shaping his leadership style. 

“I take the principles that I learned when I was in the army and apply them here, even though people think these are two different worlds,” he said. “Fundamentally treating people with respect is the most important leadership principle you’ll have.”

Youngman’s appointment follows a competitive national search. He said he advanced through several rounds of interviews, including discussions with senior administrators and an advisory committee.

Youngman said the process affirmed the amount of trust he has cultivated in the community. 

“I feel like I have had a lot of support coming in here,” he said. 

Although it is not required, Youngman will continue serving as an adviser and professor while maintaining his position as dean. 

“Staying connected to students in this role requires intentionality. I spend time with student leaders, attend events, and listen carefully when students raise concerns,” he said in an email.

Youngman said he hopes his time as dean is remembered “as a time when faculty felt supported, students felt heard, and decisions were made thoughtfully and transparently.”

Editors’ Note: Kate Keeley contributed reporting to this story.