Douglas C. Schmidt ’84, M.A. ’86
Dean of William & Mary’s School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics
Major:
{{https://www.wm.edu/as/sociology/, Sociology}}
Doug Schmidt, an internationally recognized scholar with over 30 years of experience in academic and government leadership, heads the first new school established at William & Mary in more than half a century. The School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics launches fall 2025, with a mission to prepare students for success in a data-driven world. As dean, Doug will oversee the integration of the school’s four areas into a unified academic unit while advancing their research efforts, increasing grant funding and expanding doctoral program enrollment.
Doug earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in sociology at W&M, followed by a master’s and doctorate in computer science from the University of California, Irvine. This academic path strengthened his ability to connect liberal arts and sciences with fast-moving technological innovation. "If the liberal arts teach us to ask why, and the sciences to uncover how," Doug says, "the new school ensures our graduates also master what now — blending soul and software to invent the humane technologies the future demands."
Learn more about Dean Schmidt
- Watch his Tack Faculty Lecture, "Surfing the AI Wave: A Human-Centered Approach to Innovation and Ethics."
- Read the story announcing Doug as the inaugural leader of the School of Computing, Data Sciences & Physics.
- Learn about his background as a sought-after computing expert, educator and leader.