DARTMOUTH – The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth has appointed Jean VanderGheynst as dean of the College of Engineering, UMass announced Wednesday.
VanderGheynst currently serves as the executive associate dean for research and graduate studies, and professor of biological and agricultural engineering in the College of Engineering at the University of California Davis.
“Dr. VanderGheynst brings the perfect blend of experiences to UMass Dartmouth,” stated UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Robert E. Johnson. “She will help us grow our research efforts and strengthen the world-class education that has helped our engineering students find success in so many fields. She is going to make a great impact on the SouthCoast and on our university.”
VanderGheynst will start the new position on Sept. 10.
“I am excited to work with the incredible faculty and students at UMass Dartmouth. The university offers a wide array of engineering programs, and the success stories I have already seen have impressed upon me that something very special is happening here,” said VanderGheynst in a statement.
The College of Engineering consists of 6 academic departments, 1,300 undergraduate students and 300 graduate students.
VanderGheynst received her Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University in chemical engineering in 1991 and a doctorate in agricultural and biological engineering from Cornell University in 1997.
Ramprasad Balasubramanian is currently serving as interim dean of the College of Engineering.
