Gail Dubrow, the fourth and final candidate to be considered for University of Wisconsin’s new graduate school dean, said on campus Tuesday that her past experience prepared her to take on UW’s graduate school and advocate for change.

Speaking at Grainger Hall, Dubrow drew parallels between her work at the University of Minnesota and the University of Washington. Those schools, like UW, have around 10,000 graduate students, and a similar amount of colleges within their respective universities, she said.

Dubrow currently works as a professor and associate dean at the University of Minnesota, where she also previously served as vice provost and dean of the graduate school from 2005 to 2009. Dubrow also served as an associate dean at the University of Washington from 1989 to 1995.

Graduate school dean finalist gives presentation on education, research

Dubrow said she believes UW holds great opportunities for graduate studies.

She noted the need to grow and diversify graduate programs and emphasized the importance of faculty-student relationships. She said the role of a graduate school is to ensure a quality education for students by allowing them research and mentorship opportunities.

Dubrow specifically noted two important traits for graduate deans to posses.

“The first is humility, that what you may have learned in your own field may not apply in other ones, and the second one is … listening,” she said.

Dubrow concluded her speech by stressing the need for academic innovations and cooperation.

Attracting the world’s best students and faculty depends on the quality of programs and opportunities a university can offer, she said, and UW could be the place to do it.

“This institution has huge potential in terms of taking the next steps in graduate education,” Dubrow said.