Professor of Engineering * Technology, with tenure 2019 – Present

Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs 2019 - 2021

Interim President 2019 - 2020

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Served as Interim President following the resignation of the former President. I demonstrated visionary leadership that reversed a decade long slide in enrollment by modifying scholarship programs, achieved record retention levels through implementation of mentoring and intrusive advising programs, rebuilt town-gown relations through strategic interaction with community leaders, improved social justice by developing open and trusting relationships with underrepresented populations, and eliminated a multiyear budget deficit. After returning to my Provost role, I oversaw our successful decennial Higher Learning Commission review, promoted international student recruitment, invested in distance education, emphasized collegiality among faculty, and focused on assessment as a critical tool for curricular reform. Recipient of the Cathy O'Neill Couza Award for Outstanding Leadership in Diversity, Spring 2021.

Professor of Civil/Environmental and Chemical Engineering, with tenure 2007 – 2019

Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs 2015 - 2018

Interim Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs 2014 - 2015

Founding Dean, College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics 2007 – 2014

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Served as the Chief Academic Officer at YSU, with oversight for six academic colleges, 35 academic departments, 365 faculty, and nearly 13,000 students. Supported enrollment growth through investment in new academic programs, international partnerships, and graduate studies. Created opportunities for faculty success by investment in faculty professional development and promotion of university programs throughout the community. As the Founding Dean of the STEM College, I led the faculty in developing strategies for organizational effectiveness, with an emphasis on community engagement and applied research, leading to greater student success and faculty satisfaction.

Dean, College of Graduate Studies, (The unit was renamed after merging with the Medical University of Ohio in 2006) 2006 – 2007

Dean, Graduate School 2004 - 2006

Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies, College of Engineering 2000 - 2004

Chemical Engineering undergraduate program coordinator 1996 - 2000

Professor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, with tenure 1996 – 2007

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The Dean of the College of Graduate Studies is the chief academic officer for graduate programs at the University of Toledo and represents the University at the Ohio Board of Regents and the Council of Graduate Schools. In July 2006, the University of Toledo and the Medical University of Ohio merged, resulting in the formation of the College of Graduate Studies with over 3000 graduate students in over 100 degree programs (including Master’s, Specialist, and Doctoral programs) throughout 10 academic colleges. As Associate Dean, I was responsible for all graduate and research activities within the College of Engineering, including six Master’s programs and two doctoral programs.

University of Tulsa Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, with tenure 1992 - 1996

Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering 1987 – 1992

AIChE student chapter advisor 1987 - 1992

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As a professor in chemical engineering, I developed an internationally recognized research program in catalytic supercritical water oxidation, obtaining funding from federal ($750,000), State ($300,000), and private ($250,000) sources to support research efforts. I also collaborated with colleagues across engineering to design a summer research experience for women and underrepresented high school students, funded by a variety of sources ($250,000).