By Jack Jeffery,
Communications and Marketing
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. He succeeds Jerrel Mitchell, who has served as interim dean for the college since July 31, 2000.
Irwin is also a professor of electrical engineering and computer science. He 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.
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. Irwin, earned his doctorate, master's and bachelor's degrees from Mississippi State University.
