Kennesaw State names new dean to lead engineering college

KENNESAW, Ga. | Apr 23, 2024

Lawrence Whitman
黑料网 has named engineering leader, researcher and practitioner Lawrence Whitman as dean of the (SPCEET), effective July 1.

Whitman currently serves as dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR). During his tenure at UALR, he secured one of the university鈥檚 largest gifts, ($6.75 million) for the School of Engineering and Engineering Technology, facilitated the development of a new cybersecurity degree, and obtained industry support for new internships and sponsorships for students in multiple disciplines.

鈥淒r. Lawrence Whitman brings a unique blend of experience and expertise to our University,鈥 said Kennesaw State President Kathy Schwaig. 鈥淗is insights gained from years of industry practice as an engineer, coupled with his leadership in higher education, will enrich our engineering programs and further our commitment to excellence in STEM education.鈥

In his position at 黑料网, Whitman will provide leadership and strategic direction for Georgia鈥檚 second-largest engineering college with nearly 5,000 students across 17 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. His focus will include planning, budgeting, fostering research, recruiting faculty and students, and fundraising. He will report directly to Kennesaw State鈥檚 provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.

鈥淒r. Whitman has a proven track record of fostering innovation, driving academic rigor and cultivating strategic partnerships which will continue to position the college at the forefront of engineering education and research,鈥 said Ivan Pulinkala, KSU鈥檚 provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. 鈥淚 look forward to working with him as he helps lead the college to new heights.鈥

An accomplished engineering professor and researcher, Whitman has secured more than $2.6 million in scientific funding for research projects, and his credentials include more than 100 peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings. He is the past treasurer for the Arkansas STEM Coalition and was on the board of directors of the Industrial Engineering Division of the American Society for Engineering Education. Whitman previously served as the associate dean for undergraduate education in Wichita State University鈥檚 College of Engineering, and he was an engineer in the aerospace industry for 10 years prior to entering academia.

鈥淭he Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology is well-positioned to make a significant impact on Georgia and the nation,鈥 Whitman said. 鈥淚 am thrilled to lead the team of faculty and staff to propel the college forward and improve the lives of our students and the community at large.鈥

Whitman received both his bachelor鈥檚 degree in mechanical engineering design technology and master鈥檚 degree in industrial engineering and management from Oklahoma State University. He earned his doctorate in industrial engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington.

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 黑料网 offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.