ATHENS, Ohio -- Dennis Irwin, 44, chair of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, has been named dean of Ohio University's Russ College of Engineering, effective July 1, interim Provost Gary Schumacher announced today.

In addition to his duties as chair, Irwin is also a professor of electrical engineering and computer science. Irwin currently holds the Neil D. Thomas Professorship in Engineering, an honor recognizing his outstanding teaching abilities and rapport with students as well as achievements in the electrical engineering profession.

"Following an exhaustive search, it was determined that Dr. Irwin is the best person to lead the Russ College," Schumacher said. "He brings a wealth of professional, classroom and administrative experience to this leadership position. Dr. Irwin has the respect of the students, faculty and staff in the college and throughout campus, and I am confident that he will be a dynamic leader for the Russ College."

Since Irwin became chair of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in 1997, research sponsorship in the school has increased 50 percent. Irwin is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Ohio and has been selected as the school's Outstanding Graduate Instructor and Outstanding Undergraduate Instructor three times.

"I am honored and pleased to be chosen to lead the Russ College," Irwin said. "This college has the finest faculty, students and staff in the state. I look forward to continuing to work with them all, the other deans, the new provost and the president."

Prior to joining Ohio University in 1987, Irwin worked for Control Dynamics Company in Huntsville, Ala. He is the author or co-author of numerous articles and technical reports and has given numerous national and international presentations in the areas of flexible structure control and the use of remotely accessible laboratories for research and educational purposes. Irwin, a native of Columbus, Miss., earned his doctorate, master's and bachelor's degrees from Mississippi State University.

Irwin has received research sponsorship from agencies such as NASA, the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Department of Education, for which he is serving as the U.S. principal investigator for a joint grant from the European Union and the United States.

His research interests are computer-aided control system design and algorithm development as well as robust control design. Irwin succeeds Jerrel Mitchell, who has served as interim dean for the college since July 31, 2000.