The search process for the dean of Virginia Tech's College of Engineering position is moving into the next phase as the search committee begins the process of reviewing files.

"The search committee members are approaching the task with a great sense of responsibility and a commitment to serve their colleagues for the benefit of the college and the university," said Mark McNamee, university provost and chair of the search committee. "We have a strong pool of candidates, and we are confident that we will have a successful outcome".

According to McNamee, the search committee has already met several times for general orientation and to prepare for the process of reviewing the applications. The earliest date to begin interviewing candidates, he said, is the week of March 14. "We intend to move as quickly as we reasonably can within the spirit of a fair and effective process," he added.

In addition to McNamee, members of the search committee are Ken Ball, professor and head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering; Bob Bodnar, University Distinguished Professor and head of the Department of Geosciences; Dushan Borovevich, co-director of the Center for Power Electronics Systems; Lay Nam Chang, dean of the College of Science; Harry Dankowicz, associate professor of engineering science and mechanics; Rodd Hall, director of the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science; Lenny Heath, professor of computer science; Jean Kampe, associate professor of engineering education; Brian Love, professor of materials science and president of the CoE Faculty Organization; Nancy Love, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering; Scott MidKiff, professor of electrical and computer engineering; Elaine Scott, professor of mechanical engineering; Jody Smiley, president of the CoE Staff Association; Tonya Smith-Jackson, assistant professor of industrial and systems engineering; Joseph Vipperman, member of the College of Engineering's Committee of 100; and Craig Woolsey, assistant professor of aerospace and ocean engineering.

Sam Easterling, professor of civil and environmental engineering, is a guest member of the committee in his role as president of the Faculty Senate.

The engineering dean will lead the nationally recognized college and oversee its 12 departments, its partnership program with Wake Forest University in biomedical engineering and sciences, a number of research centers and institutes, its Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity, and its Northern Virginia division. The dean also plays a major leadership role in working with other deans, vice presidents, and vice provosts in fostering multidisciplinary programs across the university.

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