[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/05\/ProvostNewton.jpg” title_text=”ProvostNewton” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-4px||||false|false”]<\/p>\n
As a boy growing up in Northern California, Dr. Darrell Newton was the kid who would play for several hours with other children, but then sneak away to read science fiction or even better, to watch old black and white drama films from the BBC on local television.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Different cultures, or more specifically different perspectives, always intrigued him. They even led to becoming part of his academic research.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Newton, the Provost of Winona State University since last July, was fascinated by how a diverse group of people could watch the same show, enjoy it in similar ways, but interpret it differently based on their backgrounds and upbringing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n He was so enthralled in fact, that his academic research later became about effects media has on a person \u2013 especially\u00a0in relation to\u00a0their unique perspective.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Now, with a history of study abroad, teaching media studies, and becoming immersed in different cultures, Provost Newton — whose position helps guide the academic direction of the institution and provides support to the deans — has brought his <\/span>experiences and passion for different\u00a0global\u00a0perspectives\u00a0<\/span>to WSU. <\/span><\/p>\n Whether it\u2019s learning the perspectives and desires of the different colleges within the university or whether it\u2019s gathering feedback on the future of WSU, Newton values the thoughtful input of others above all else.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n \u201cI have a deep respect fo<\/span>r\u00a0shared\u00a0leadership,\u00a0for\u00a0f<\/span>aculty on campus, and for perspectives on the future of the university,\u201d Newton said. \u201cAs a campus, we can\u2019t move forward without their input and guidance.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In some ways, academia runs in Newton\u2019s veins.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On his mother\u2019s side of the family, being a teacher, professor, or an educational administrator was a common theme with many family members pursuing\u00a0<\/span>master\u2019s degrees in education<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cFor my mom\u2019s generation as black folks in the south, being a teacher was one of the most notable professions you could involve yourself in,\u201d Newton said.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Newton recalls spending hours at Florida A&M University as a child, eavesdropping in the hallways on summer classes his aunt and uncle were teaching.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThat exposure encouraged me to consider academia even more,\u201d Newton said.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n On his dad\u2019s side of the family, Newton had a strong example of hard work, innovation, and entrepreneurship with many of his family members owning auto repair shops or small businesses.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Between the two, Newton grew to be determined, ambitious, and a s<\/span>eeker of knowledge and\u00a0<\/span>cultural awareness.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201c<\/span>Nothing meant more to me than traveling and learning other cultures under the umbrella of academia,\u201d Newton said. \u201cLater, I could use these experiences to encourage students and faculty to do the same.”<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With a journey of first heading into the public school system in administration, Newton went on\u00a0to\u00a0the\u00a0University of\u00a0Wisconsin\u00a0System as an advisor and recruiter.\u00a0Taking a step out, he spent\u00a0ten years in the corporate world\u00a0before realizing\u00a0that\u00a0his heart called to higher education.\u00a0He knew that\u00a0in\u00a0that space, his knowledge would be\u00a0appreciated,\u00a0and his continued learning would be encouraged.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n In doing so he finally got to do the traveling and cultural immersion he longed to do.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAcademia allowed me to not only reach out to the world but gave me opportunities to explore about cultures and find my place as an African American scholar,\u201d Newton said.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In 1991 while teaching at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Newton finally got his chance to travel overseas to the very place that had sparked his interests, the United Kingdom.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n A\u00a0Whitewater\u00a0colleague had invited him to London for spring break\u00a0an<\/span>d what he experienced changed\u00a0his perspective on how diverse\u00a0and\u00a0multicultural communities\u00a0overseas\u00a0were.\u00a0He had thought that London, Paris and Rome consisted of mostly white Europeans, but that was certainly not the case.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Darrell Newton” job_title=”Provost & VP for Academic Affairs” company_name=”Winona State University” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]\u201cI want to help move us into the future in a way that allows us to be far more competitive than we hav<\/span>e been before, to increase our enrollment and give opportunity to students of all kinds. I want to assist colleagues and students as they accomplish their dreams and goals and I seek to support faculty in those endeavors.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span> During the visit, Newton and his friend were walking through a massive outdoor market when three women of color came walking toward them. One was\u00a0a beautiful\u00a0three shades darker than he,\u00a0another was very\u00a0light-skinned\u00a0with freckles, and the third had medium brown skin, green eyes and very long hair. All three were walking arm and arm while laughing and talking in French.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI looked at my friend and she said, \u2018Darrell that\u2019s London\u2019,\u201d Newton said. \u201cThis is what the world truly looks like.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In recalling the story, Newton paused for reflection.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cFar too many students of color imagine the international community to be foreboding or the kind of places they might not be accepted in,\u201d Newton said. \u201cThat is simply not the case.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n From then on Newton made it a mission to bring students of all kinds to the UK as a way to introduce them to the global community and show what other viewpoints there are to consider. Over the next 12 years, he designed and led seven UK study abroad programs, each with 4 to 15 students, to Wales and the Northern country.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Even to this day, Newton encourages others to (get out of their comfort zone and expand their viewpoints) study abroad — whether it\u2019s to another country to study abroad or to a conference where they\u2019ll gain new insight in their field or learn the perspectives of others.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n He also does what he can to inspire others to continue to learn and strive for their goals.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As a professor, Newton encouraged students to rethink the world and examine their own perspectives on reality. As a department chair, Newton worked to fit workshops and conferences in the budget for faculty to continue their research and collaborate with other scholars. And as an associate dean, he made sure department chairs had the chance to continue these efforts for their faculty and students.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cTo be in academia and not positively impact others would nearly be a waste of time,\u201d Newton said with a smile.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Now as the Provost, Newton — who is the first person of color to hold the position at WSU — wants nothing more than to continue the trend by supporting the deans of the college.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cHere at WSU, the deans\u00a0have my complete support in the things they want to accomplish,\u201d Newton said with conviction. \u201cI sincerely believe that we\u2019re all trying to do what\u2019s best for the students, faculty, and staff.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Being thoughtful and intentional about adapting to the future is important to Newton.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI want to help move us into the future in a way that allows us to be far more competitive than we hav<\/span>e been before, to increase our enrollment and give opportunity to students of all kinds,\u201d Newton said.\u00a0\u201cI\u00a0want to assist colleagues and students as they accomplish their dreams and goals\u00a0and\u00a0I seek to support faculty in those endeavors.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\n With th<\/span>e resiliency and\u00a0fortitude\u00a0the faculty and staff have shown in the COVID era, Newton has full confidence that WSU will\u00a0not only\u00a0persevere but excel through the challenges it faces \u2013 including enrollment shifts.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One\u00a0<\/span>example\u00a0<\/span>of a way Newton would like to encourage\u00a0adapting to the future\u00a0is\u00a0in\u00a0focusing\u00a0on\u00a0the continual offer of\u00a0online classes\u00a0<\/span>that were developed through\u00a0<\/span>the pandemic.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIf the Deans and faculty desire it, I\u2019d like to see us offer up\u00a0a range\u00a0of online classes that will complement our h<\/span>ybrid,\u00a0distance education, and f<\/span>ace to face offerings,\u201d Newton said.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With WSU having a strong foundation and history of in-person classes, Newton\u00a0feels\u00a0online classes would offer quality education in a way that\u00a0<\/span>other online for-profit colleges are not able to.\u00a0<\/span>Given that so many online programs are offered by for profit institutions, many don\u2019t have a true stake in higher education. WSU has a solid history as a\u00a0brick and mortar\u00a0institution of serving students in a variety of ways.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_testimonial author=”Darrell Newton” job_title=”Provost & VP of Academic Affairs” company_name=”Winona State University” _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”6px||||false|false”]\u201cThe\u00a0farther I\u2019ve gone in academe, the more I\u2019ve hoped to impact the lives of others. It means a lot to me to become a provost and assist in making a difference. <\/span>It really allows me to hopefully provide the support faculty, staff, students, and the community richly deserve.”<\/span> \u201cAs WSU considers expanding online offerings in this region, the effort could appeal to those who already know the reputation of the campus,<\/span>\u201d\u00a0Newton said. \u201cIf students happen to live four states away but are passionate, they should be able to take our classes.\u201d\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Newton pointed to courses that were offered previously during summer sessions, or recently in January and during J-term, to demonstrate how successful online courses can be.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Newton said the university should continue to utilize and expand not only full online class offerings, but the online<\/span>\u00a0tools\u00a0<\/span>that have become nearly commonplace during the pandemic. Hybrid classes have in some ways strengthened face-to-face classes, by offering additional resources like bringing into class a guest speaker virtually.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAs an example, I was invited to do a Zoom two-hour presentation about my research to French students, and that was something I was able to do from Minnesota,\u201d\u00a0<\/span>Newton said. \u201c<\/span>I can see us as a campus doing far more of this if professors want.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With the experience of moving steadily up the ladder, from lecturer to professor and from Chair to Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs before arriving at Winona, Newton looks forward<\/span>\u00a0to supporting\u00a0<\/span>faculty and working with others on campus to create change for the better.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe<\/span>\u00a0farther I\u2019ve<\/span>\u00a0gone in academe, the more I\u2019ve hoped to impact the lives of others,\u201d Newton said.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With changing demographics and a realignment of how education is offered in the wake of the pandemic, Newton said he\u2019s up for the challenge of collaborating, brainstorming, and helping WSU find solid paths forward.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIt means a lot to me to become a provost and assist in making a difference,\u201d Newton said.\u00a0<\/span>\u201cIt really allows me to hopefully provide the support faculty, staff, students, and the community richly deserve.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As a boy growing up in Northern California, Dr. Darrell Newton was the kid who would play for several hours with other children, but then sneak away to read science fiction or even better, to watch old black and white drama films from the BBC on local television.\u00a0 Different cultures, or more specifically different perspectives, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":292,"featured_media":3375,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[878,943,967,879,56,714,689,1,2,24],"tags":[988],"class_list":["post-3000","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academic-news","category-blog-slider","category-campus-news","category-faculty-staff-news","category-features","category-homepage-slider","category-hp-feature-4","category-uncategorized","category-wsu-magazine","category-wsu-news","tag-provost"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2021\/06\/ProvostNewton2.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p7PQMT-Mo","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3000","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/292"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3000"}],"version-history":[{"count":36,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3000\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3355,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3000\/revisions\/3355"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3375"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3000"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3000"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.winona.edu\/alumni\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3000"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}FROM ACADEMIC ROOTS<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
A NEW PERSPECTIVE OVERSEAS<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\nENCOURAGING OTHERS<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.8.1″ _module_preset=”default”]<\/p>\nTHANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n