Search begins for engineering dean

Provost Tom Christensen appointed a 12-member committee to assist in the search for a new dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

Peter Braza, dean, College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, will chair the committee of UCCS faculty and staff representatives, and community members. The committee is charged with reviewing candidates and recommending finalists. The position is the chief academic and administrative officer of the college, which includes approximately 1,700 students.

Xiaobo “Charles” Zhou, professor, Department of Computer Science, started as interim dean July 1, 2017. He replaced R. “Dan” Dandapani, who served as interim dean or dean since 2008. Dandapani returned to the faculty in the 2017-18 academic year.

The priority deadline for candidates is Oct. 28, and applications can be submitted through CU Careers.

Braza’s committee members are:

• Carlos Araujo, professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Ellen Burkart, director, Student Retention and First Year Experience, and Parent and Family Programs (non-voting)
• Laura Edwards, financial administrator, College of Engineering and Applied Science
• Peter Gorder, associate professor and chair, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Leal Lauderbaugh, associate professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Rory Lewis, associate professor, Department of Computer Science
• John Lindsey, senior instructor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Sue McClernan, internship and outreach program director, College of Engineering and Applied Science
• Brandon Runnels, assistant professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• Charles Shub, professor emeritus, Department of Computer Science
• Bob Witte, Keysight Technologies (retired)

The committee will receive staff support from Mary Hurless, business and human resources professional, College of Engineering and Applied Science.