Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Following a national search, Kansas State University has selected Darren Dawson, an electrical engineer from Clemson University, as dean of the College of Engineering. He will join the college July 1. 

Dawson comes to Kansas State University with experience in growing both Ph.D. and undergraduate enrollment -- goals that play a part in the K-State 2025 visionary plan and a statewide engineering initiative.  

As chair of Clemson's electrical and computer engineering department, Dawson led Ph.D. enrollment increases from 42 students in 2007 to 100 students in 2013. Under his leadership, electrical and computer engineering undergraduate enrollment grew from 340 to 540 students in six years.

"Dr. Dawson has proven success in areas that will be critical for the College of Engineering as it meets the challenge set by the governor to increase the number of engineers in Kansas, and our own goals as we rise to become a Top 50 public research university by 2025," said April Mason, Kansas State University provost and senior vice president. 

As a researcher, Dawson has worked with motion control, motor control, robotics and mechanical system control. As an educator, his interests include changing the traditional classroom experience through technology, like Web-based teaching tools and smart classroom facilities.

"The momentum at Kansas State University is exciting, and I look forward to leading the College of Engineering in meeting the challenges set at the university and state levels," Dawson said.