Michiko Yusa

I came to Western Washington University in 1983, right after graduating from the University of California Santa Barbara with a Ph.D. in Religious Studies.
Since my arrival at Western, I have dedicated myself to developing the Japanese Program, which as of September 2006 has become a major program. I am blessed not only with wonderful colleagues but also with marvelous students, many of whom remain friends even after their graduation from WWU.
Initially I came to the UC Santa Barbara as a Junior Year Abroad Exchange Student from International Christian University in Tokyo. This experience changed my life forever, as I discovered the joy of scholarship from my encounters with great professors at UCSB who became a very important part of my life. I do believe that cross-cultural way of life is a very worthwhile and wonder-filled adventure, and I encourage all students to take up their opportunities to explore the whole wide world.