In this episode of DeanCast, we sit down with Professor Evgenia Smirni, Chair of William & Mary’s Department of Computer Science, to explore the department’s extraordinary rise in national prominence. From a dramatic 28-place leap in the U.S. News & World Report rankings to groundbreaking faculty hires in AI, cybersecurity, and robotics, Evgenia shares how strategic growth, innovative teaching, and student excellence are redefining computing at William & Mary. Hear how the department balances cutting-edge research with the university’s hallmark personalized approach — preparing graduates not just to keep pace with the AI revolution, but to lead it.