Japanese university presidents listen intently to TUJ Wilson’s presentation.
On August 26, 2024, Matthew Wilson, Dean of Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ), was a keynote speaker at the prestigious University President Leadership Seminar hosted by the Graduate School of Education and Sociology at the University of Tokyo. This exclusive seminar, primarily aimed at current and future university presidents in Japan, provided a platform for Wilson to share insights and recommendations based on his extensive leadership experience in both the United States and Japan.
In his session, titled “Leadership Experiences at Universities in Japan and the United States,” Wilson drew on his roles as a former president at public universities in Ohio and Missouri combined with his current oversight of the Japan campus of Temple University. Wilson discussed techniques and effective skills related to financial management, fundraising, public relations, and student engagement. He also offered unique insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by university leaders in the current higher education environment.
Fundraising Strategies
Wilson highlighted TUJ’s annual “Diamond Dinner” as a key example of effective fundraising strategies. He explained that TUJ organizes a series of fundraising events throughout the year, including golf tournaments and alumni cruises, which help build meaningful connections with the donors. “We’ve seen how meaningful engagement with donors can truly make a difference. The Diamond Dinner for instance, not only generates essential funds but also serves as a platform for creating a community of supporters who believe in our mission,” Wilson explained.
Student Engagement and Unique Approaches
Wilson also elaborated on the importance of student engagement. He shared his experiences with initiatives designed to break down barriers between leadership and students. “When we initially planned roundtable discussions, no one showed up. Leadership isn’t something formal that should only happen in the office – it’s about being present in the daily lives of the students. By playing basketball or table tennis with students, it helps to break down barriers, facilitate conversations, and foster genuine connections.”
At TUJ, this approach is actively practiced through events like table tennis tournaments, evening basketball games, and bowling events where students can interact with Wilson in a more informal setting. Wilson also maintains an open-door policy in his office and includes his personal mobile number on his business card, encouraging students to reach out directly in times of distress. Also, he organizes a monthly “Dean’s DE-stress Day,” where he distributes food together with other administrators and staff to over 1,000 students, fostering a strong sense of community. “These initiatives greatly contribute to creating an environment where students feel secure and valued,” Wilson added. “When suggestions are offered, we try to positively respond to foster an exceptional student experience.”
Communication
In the world today, Wilson emphasized the importance of utilizing platforms to engage with students and prospective students worldwide on a level that they understand. He shared how creative content, such as a humorous video where he appears to jump off a roof, has fueled excitement and conversation. “In today’s digital age, we need to meet students where they are—on their media. By creating engaging content, we not only capture attention but also showcase the dynamic, creative, and innovative spirit of TUJ,” Wilson emphasized.
Positive Reception and Audience Engagement
The seminar attracted 35 university presidents and leaders from across Japan. The session concluded with a lively Q&A, where participants particularly inquired about American university financial practices, fiscal struggles, and fundraising techniques. One attendee commented, “While there are differences between Japan and the U.S., the examples of fundraising at American universities are practical and interesting.” Another participant mentioned he had already reviewed TUJ’s Instagram, stating, “I see, this is quite fascinating!”
Wilson’s participation in the seminar not only underscored his personal commitment to promoting global education, but it also highlighted TUJ as a unique and dynamic institution within Japan’s higher education landscape. He expressed his eagerness to continue these dialogues and explore potential collaborations with Japanese universities and local governments. “While there are differences between Japan and the U.S., I believe we can learn from each other and enhance our practices together,” Wilson concluded.