Dean Designate Greg Fenves has appointed Drs. John Ekerdt and Gerald Speitel associate deans of the Cockrell School of Engineering beginning Sept. 1.
“I believe these excellent appointments are a harbinger of the kind of dedication to quality the Cockrell School will see from our new Dean Greg Fenves,” said outgoing Dean Ben Streetman.
Ekerdt, professor of chemical engineering and former chair of the chemical engineering department, will serve as associate dean for research for the Cockrell School. He replaces Dr. Randy Charbeneau, professor of civil engineering, who will return to his environmental research and teaching.
The associate dean for research works with faculty, departments and research centers to enhance and facilitate the research in the Cockrell School. He also is responsible for intellectual property issues, safety and space planning.
Speitel, professor of environmental engineering and current chair of the civil, architectural and environmental engineering department, will serve as associate dean for academic affairs for the Cockrell School. He replaces Dr. David Dolling, professor of aerospace engineering, who will become dean of the George Washington School of Engineering and Applied Sciences in Washington, D.C.
The associate dean for academic affairs has responsibility for the academic life of the Cockrell School, working with the department chairs on teaching budgets, faculty hiring and promotions, accreditation and other issues related to academic affairs.
“These dedicated associate deans have made my job as dean a pleasure. I always know I can rely on them to handle large parts of the work of the Dean’s office, and I never have to worry whether the job will be done well and with integrity. That confidence frees me to do my part of the Cockrell School’s work without distraction. I am eternally grateful to them for the dedicated service they have given to help our faculty, students and staff succeed,” said Streetman.
