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UNM Engineering Dean Announces Plan to Return Full-Time to Faculty

April 20, 2009

cecchiAfter 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.

UNM Provost Suzanne 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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