Xin Wu

Xin Wu is a professor in the Department of Art and Art History at William & Mary. She came to William and Mary in 2011 and was the first tenure track professor in the department. She received her PhD in History of Art at the University of Bristol, United Kingdom, in 2008.

Interview with Professor Wu

In an interview conducted by Rachel Merriman-Golding, Professor Wu described teaching at William and Mary

• Professor Wu discussed the lack of diversity in the art history faculty and in course offering, saying that she would be “happy to see more students interested in art beyond America and beyond the colonial period.” She believes that “we need a longer vision,” because much of the world existed far beyond when the US came to be.

• Professor Wu also spoke about the make-up of William and Mary’s art history department, stating that “all of the professors are hired for particular positions.” She believes that “your origin doesn’t matter after you’re hired,” and that there’s a difference between one’s personal identity and the subject matter that they teach.

• Lastly, Professor Wu expressed her belief that students are integral at helping faculty explore new fields in teaching. “If a student is interested in an area that is not well-covered, the faculty will be happy to help.” Students often “turn to things they’re familiar with. They would like to confirm the perceptions that they already have. That’s not very helpful when you come to deal with different cultures.”

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