April 15, 2019
College of Engineering Dean Darren Dawson to become president at University of Alabama in Huntsville
Submitted by Communications and Marketing
Darren Dawson has accepted the position of president of the University of Alabama in Huntsville and tentatively will begin his duties sometime this summer.
Dawson, a professor of electrical engineering, joined Kansas State University July 1, 2014, as dean of the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering and the LeRoy C. and Aileen H. Paslay endowed chair.
During his tenure, Dawson led K-State's implementation of the Kansas Department of Commerce's University Engineering Initiative. The college is on target to realize its portion of the goal to increase the state's number of engineering graduates by nearly 60% over a ten-year period. Dawson led the college to record fundraising of more than $145M over the last five years. A 108,000-square feet expansion of Engineering Hall opened in 2015 and was followed by additional upgrades to classrooms, labs and research infrastructure. The career placement rate for the college is approximately 95 percent.
"Dean Dawson has provided valuable leadership for the university and the state of Kansas," said President Richard B. Myers. "His vision helped raise the profile of our College of Engineering, leading to the development of more quality engineers to meet the needs of business and industry. His service to Kansas State University is deeply appreciated."
“Darren Dawson has advanced the College of Engineering in so many ways, improving facilities, hiring outstanding faculty, engaging industry, and supporting student success," said Provost and Executive Vice President Chuck Taber. "He has been a visionary Dean of Engineering at K-State, and he will be an outstanding university president. Congratulations, Darren!”