Sami Atif

On Friday evenings, Interim Dean of Multicultural Affairs Sami Atif facilitates discussions at the Afro-Latinx Exonian Society. If he’s not at one of the many clubs he’s involved in, he’s often in the Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA), socializing with colleagues or advising students.

Atif grew up in Baltimore and attended a local high school where his mother worked. Atif says his mother’s relationships at the school allowed him to develop a support system and group of mentors. “My mother worked as a volunteer in my elementary school, and as she grew in her career, she became a school accountant,” he said. “Throughout those years, she had a lot of friendships with school teachers. I had a lot of support with mentors and that shaped my career with education.”

“I became Dean of Multicultural Affairs primarily because there were institutional problems and gaps. Rather than complain, I thought it was most appropriate to add my voice to the solution,” [Atif] said.  

Atif recalled dropping math to pursue physics in high school, despite being stronger in the former. After graduating high school, Atif attended two historically black colleges: Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and Delaware State University.

He cited his experience at Cheyney University in re-igniting his interest in mathematics. “Realizing the need to have folks have proficiency in teaching mathematics became evident,” he said. “It was also the experiences when I had mentorship and a demand for service that propelled me to pursue math over science or any other subject.” While at Delaware State University, he earned a degree in applied mathematics.

Prior to working at Exeter, Atif served as a university teaching assistant and taught special learners in the Capital School District of Dover, Delaware.

Atif was drawn to Exeter because of the engaging Harkness method he had discovered in his visit to Exeter and the one-on-one attention he knew he could give his students. “Managing classrooms of 20-30 students or even the university level lecture style classes never felt as engaging as what I witnessed when I came to Exeter,” he said.

Appointed to the Academy in 2012, Atif has taught nearly every course offered by the Department, with the exception of Multivariable Calculus and a select few electives. He described math as a critical subject all students should learn. “I find math to be the language of the sciences and a pivotal sharpening tool for logic and reasoning,” he said. “It allows you to really understand the theory and the application.”

Atif has also helped implement Harkness and student-based learning across the nation and abroad. Recently, he served as a leader in the Anja St. Greer mathematics conference. In previous years, he visited the Abaarso School of Science and Technology in Hargeisa, Somaliland.

After teaching math at the Academy for four years, Atif was appointed as the Interim Dean of Multicultural Affairs in 2016, and has held this position since. “I became Dean of Multicultural Affairs primarily because there were institutional problems and gaps. Rather than complain, I thought it was most appropriate to add my voice to the solution,” he said.  “My job entails a lot of partnering. I am one of 4-5 deans in the office of multicultural affairs. I have an office of five that consists of The Associate Dean, International Student Coordinator, Asian Student Program coordinator, LGBT+ Coordinator and office intern.” Together, the administrators provide support to 20 clubs affiliated with the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

International Student Coordinator Jennifer Smith described Atif as a “natural born leader.” She said, “He has a way of working with others that is rare and something that cannot be taught […] He has a wonderful sense of humor and a thoughtful way of approaching every situation. I believe as a direct result of his presence in OMA, we have more students spending time here than I’ve ever seen.”

Atif is aware of the high value his job holds, giving a voice to underrepresented students of color. “Taking the job as a faculty of color—at a school in which I am a vast minority be it my from my racial identity, my religious identity […]—I am one of a few, and I have always emphasized and cared deeply for students who share that experience,” he said. “When I talk to these students one-on-one or in advisory groups, I feel their pain and their struggles at this institution.”    

Atif has impacted the experience of many students of color through his work in and out of OMA. Upper David Gonzalez has known Atif since his prep year, describing him as an inspiring mentor. “[Atif] is very introspective, and he likes to push for change when he sees the necessity,” he said. “It’s always good to have a conversation with him. I always come out feeling like I know more than before.”

Upper Johan Martinez has known Atif since the summer of 2016, and considers him to be a knowledgeable and trustworthy figure. “Dean Atif is one of the few adults that I can trust on this campus,” he said. “I can come to him for anything, and he will always give me great advice.”

Atif is a practicing Muslim, describing faith as a pivotal part of his life. “Faith is a daily practice for me; it’s not an on or off thing,” he said. “It’s how I stay grounded and make sense of my reality. It’s how I recharge. I also believe it gives me clarity and purpose.”

In his free time, Atif enjoys doing “non Exeter things” such as playing basketball and eating homemade food. His favorite memories at Exeter involve the moments spent around other faculty and students of color. “These memories revolve around laughter and tears and unity in Club Room B with other faculty and students of color as we socialize and travel to different events,” he said.

Atif has worked at the Academy for seven years, and remains attracted to Exeter because of the students’ passion. “To be told that you have to take ownership of your learning and be active is revolutionary,” he said. “You’re being armed with knowledge and a calling to do more.”