Science and Engineering dean selected

Dr. David M. Ford will serve as Central Michigan University's next dean of the College of Science and Engineering, effective June 15, 2021.

Mary C. Schutten, CMU's Executive Vice President and Provost, has named Ford to the position. He will replace Jane Davison, who has been interim dean since May 2020.

"Dr. Ford is a proven research-focused leader who will prioritize real-world success for our students," Schutten said. "We are excited to welcome him to the CMU team."

Ford is currently a professor and Kevin W. and Marie L. Brown Department Head Chair in the Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Arkansas. He has led federally funded programs to increase graduation rates for engineering transfer students and to re-envision the chemical engineering curriculum.

Ford earned a bachelor's degree from the University at Buffalo in New York and Master of Science in Engineering and doctoral degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, all in chemical engineering.

Ford's main research areas are statistical thermodynamics, simulations of molecular and colloidal systems, and membrane-based separations.

As dean, Ford will lead all operations and programs within the college and will serve on CMU's Council of Deans, Academic Senate and Academic Planning Council.

A 14-member committee led by College of Business Administration Dean Chris Moberg recommended Ford after a nationwide search assisted by search firm Greenwood Asher and Associates.