John R. English named dean of engineering at K-State

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News release prepared by: Cheryl May, 785-532-6415, may@k-state.edu

Thursday, April 26, 2007

JOHN R. ENGLISH NAMED DEAN OF ENGINEERING AT K-STATE

MANHATTAN -- John R. English has accepted the position of dean of engineering at Kansas State University. He has been head of the department of industrial engineering at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, since April 2000, and a faculty member there since 1991.

English, who will begin his new post in late July, succeeds Terry King, who left K-State in 2006 to be provost at Ball State University. Richard Gallagher has served as interim dean since June 2006.

"We are delighted to welcome John English to K-State," said Provost M. Duane Nellis. "He has a comprehensive background in engineering leadership and innovation. He has been an effective researcher who also has been recognized for his outstanding teaching. As one who understands the technical needs of today's engineering college, he will be an excellent leader for the College of Engineering."

English said, "It is my pleasure to join the Kansas State University faculty as dean of engineering. K-State has a great tradition of excellence in engineering, and its reputation and contributions to our fields will continue to excel. With the exceptional faculty, students and staff, our impact on the community, state, nation and the world is ours to harness. There is clear evidence that the alumni and the rest of our constituency stand ready to support our efforts."

Recognized multiple times for teaching and research excellence, English said engineering classrooms are changing.

"I am committed to supporting continuous improvement of the presentation of technical concepts in our engineering classrooms through the integration of the latest technology and improved computational and presentation software with associated hardware," he said.

From February 2000 to September 2005, English was director of the Center for Engineering Logistics and Distribution, a National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center with eight partner universities.

He has held a number of positions at the University of Arkansas including economic development officer, director of a technology incubator, and full professor. He also taught at Texas A&M University and Oklahoma State University. His industry experience includes posts at AT&T Communications.

"Engineering plays a pivotal role in the future of U.S. industry," English said. Therefore, I am committed to the development and dissemination of technical advances that improve the U.S.'s global competitive position. This is accomplished through funded and unfunded research activities."

He has published numerous journal articles, book chapters and other writings.

He earned a Ph.D. in industrial engineering and management from Oklahoma State University. His master's degree is in operations research and his bachelor's is in electrical engineering, both from the University of Arkansas. He is a Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Arkansas.

He and his wife, Elizabeth, have a daughter, Sara Marie.