Queens College has appointed John J. Chin as interim dean of the Institute of Asian American/Asian Studies.
Photo courtesy of Queens College
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Queens College has appointed John J. Chin as interim dean of the Institute for Asian American/Asian Studies, a CUNY-wide institute dedicated to promoting and disseminating research and other educational resources on Asia, Asian Americans and other Asian immigrants.
Chin comes to Queens University from Hunter College, where he served as professor and chair of the Department of Urban Policy and Planning. His research focuses on access to social and health services in underserved urban communities, particularly Asian immigrant communities.
As interim dean of the Asian American/Asian Studies Institute (AAARI), Chin will oversee the day-to-day operations of the institute and guide it in fulfilling its leading role in Asian American/Asian research, scholarship, advocacy, and outreach.
While serving as interim dean of AAARI, Chin will report to interim provost and senior vice president for academic affairs Patricia Price.
The selection of a permanent dean is expected to take place over the next year.
Located at 25 W. 43rd St. in Manhattan, AAARI serves as a bridge between CUNY and the Asian American community outside New York City, according to Queens College President Frank Wu. The institute reports directly to Queens College, which is based in Flushing and has about 20,000 students.
“As we seek enduring leadership for the institute, John will be an exemplary steward of the institute’s mission, particularly with regard to immigrant-led community advocacy and public policies impacting the health of immigrant workers,” Wu said in a statement.
Chin recently conducted a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funded study examining the role of Asian immigrant-led community organizations in communicating HIV prevention and stigma reduction messages to their members.
He also completed an NIH-funded study on HIV risk, working conditions, and experiences with law enforcement among Asian immigrant women working in massage parlors in New York City and Los Angeles County.
Chin said he is honored to lead AAARI and that the institute has played a vital role in uncovering the stories of Asian American communities in New York and the United States.
“The rich history and vibrant presence of Asian Americans in New York City and state deserves more recognition,” Chin said. “By leveraging the extensive expertise and passion of CUNY faculty and students, AAARI is uniquely positioned to bring these stories to light and deepen understanding of the needs and contributions of our community.”
Price, to whom Chin will report directly, said Chin will bring a wealth of academic and community experience to the role.
“He combines academic authority with community-focused leadership experience, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him at the helm of such important institutes across CUNY,” Price said in a statement.
Chin previously served as a member of the NIH AIDS Research Advisory Committee and currently serves as chair of the National Advisory Committee for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Health Policy Research Scholars Program.
Prior to her academic career, Chin was the founding deputy executive director of the Asian Pacific Islander AIDS Coalition and also served in the New York City Comptroller’s Office and the New York City Commission on Human Rights.
