11/26/2024
By Joseph C. Hartman
Dear Colleagues,
I’m writing to share an important update as we are preparing to launch the search for the next Dean of the Francis College of Engineering in December. I’m pleased to announce the members of the search committee, who have generously agreed to serve in this effort. They represent the breadth, depth, and diversity of our community, and they will each bring tremendous expertise and insights to the search process. My sincere thanks to Dean Bertie Greer and alumna Cindy Conde for agreeing to serve as co-chairs of the committee.
• Bertie Greer, dean, Manning School of Business (committee co-chair)
• Cindy Conde ’87, ’90, outgoing chair, Industrial Advisory Board (co-chair)
• Joe Albanese ’84, incoming chair, Industrial Advisory Board
• Derek Berger, associate vice chancellor, University Advancement
• Fanglin Che, assistant professor, Chemical Engineering
• Derek De La Cruz, undergraduate student, Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Michael Geiger, associate teaching professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Jill Hendrickson-Lohmeier, professor, Education, and associate head, Graduate School
• Sarah Leeper, vice president, Electronic Systems, Draper Labs
• Yanfen Li, assistant professor, Biomedical Engineering
• Nancy Ludwig, executive dean, Graduate, Online and Professional Studies
• Hunter Mack, associate professor, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
• Sheree Pagsuyoin, associate professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Amy Peterson, professor, Plastics Engineering
• Maria Velazquez, associate teaching professor, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
• Jay Weitzen, professor and chair, Electrical and Computer Engineering
The search committee will partner with the national executive search firm Isaacson, Miller (IM), which has recently assisted our campus in the searches for Dean of the Manning School of Business, and Dean of the College of Fine Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (FAHSS).
As we begin to launch the search, our IM search partners will begin holding virtual listening sessions with the Francis College of Engineering and UMass Lowell community, and we will be scheduling those meetings in the coming weeks. The sessions will provide an opportunity for you to share your perspectives, insights and priorities for the next leader of the college. Your feedback will play a crucial role in informing the search process. If you are unable to attend the listening sessions, we encourage you to contribute by submitting your thoughts and suggestions through a forthcoming survey.
Search Timeline:
• December 2024: Launch of the search
• January-March 2025: Development of the candidate pool
• April 2025: Committee conducts first round interviews
• Early May 2025: On-campus finalist interviews
• May/June 2025: Final selection and hire
We recognize the significance of this leadership transition and are committed to finding a visionary and collaborative leader for the Francis College of Engineering.