The University of New Mexico

NEWS RELEASE

                                                                                    Media Contact: Karen Wentworth (505) 277-5627
kwent2@unm.edu

April 20, 2009

UNM School of Engineering Dean Announces Plans to Return Full-Time to Faculty

After serving nine years as Dean of UNM’s School of Engineering, Joseph L. Cecchi has announced that his current term ending July 23, 2009, will be his last.  Cecchi stated, “This will allow me to return to teaching and to ramp up my research in nanotechnology at a time of critical national need and opportunity.  Also, I will be devoting time to technology transfer, economic development, and growing the School’s partnerships with the increasing number of new technology companies in the region.”  Cecchi will continue his work with STC.UNM, the wholly owned non-profit corporation that licenses and markets intellectual property for the university.  He currently serves as Chair of the STC Board of Directors. 
 
Cecchi’s tenure as dean has been the second longest in the 103 year history of the School of Engineering.  He spearheaded the funding, planning, and construction of the $43,000,000 Centennial Engineering Center, the largest academic building on UNM main campus. Under Cecchi’s leadership, three new strategic research centers were formed, along with new interdisciplinary degree programs.  He also increased the School’s engagement with the business community and helped to recruit new high-tech companies to the region.  

In a statement UNM Provost Suzanne Ortega said, “Please join me in thanking Dean Cecchi for his years of service to the School of Engineering and wishing him well in this next stage of his career.  Over the next few days I will call a meeting of the entire faculty of the college to begin the process of appointing an interim dean.  I look forward to working with all of you in the selection of him or her, and in getting a national search launched for permanent leadership to ensure a bright future for our critically important School of Engineering.”

Ortega plans to launch a search for a new dean in August. An interim dean will be appointed for the 2009-2010 academic term.

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The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.
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