SMU incoming dean of students Paulin Straughan was featured in a profile story in The Straits Times. Next month, she will assume her new role, which supports student empowerment and student life. SMU's Office of the Dean of Students comprises many arms, including the Dato' Kho Hui Meng Career Centre, which helps students make informed job choices, among other things. Associate Prof Straughan, who will also be Professor of Sociology (Practice) at SMU School of Social Sciences, will take over from Professor Ong Siow Heng, who will become dean of international affairs.

SMU Provost Professor Lily Kong said Associate Prof Straughan’s experience with students makes her an "excellent fit" for her new job. "(She) has a wealth of experience in the classroom, and is well-loved by students," said Prof Kong. Associate Prof Straughan shared that she partly decided to take up the SMU role after she noticed that her younger son, who used to be reserved, enjoyed the challenge of thinking on the spot and airing his opinions; class participation features prominently in SMU and that "drew him out of his shell". Despite the more "administrative-heavy" job scope, she hopes to be able to find time to teach students at SMU. "At the end of the day, teachers inspire. Coming to a university means that you have to put students at the heart of everything that you do."