Dr. Maj Mirmirani named interim Dean of the Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ College of Engineering and Technology at Ohio University

Current dean Dr. Mei Wei to assume new role at OHIO effective immediately 

Ohio University Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Elizabeth Sayrs has named Dr. Maj Mirmirani interim dean of the Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ College of Engineering and Technology. This announcement follows current dean Dr. Mei Wei’s plan to step down from her role, effective immediately, to pursue a new opportunity at the University.

“I am thrilled to have someone with Dr. Mirmirani’s experience assuming this interim leadership role at the Russ College,” Provost Sayrs said. “Well regarded for his expertise and research in mechanical engineering, Dr. Mirmirani will be an asset to the college during this period of transition. I am looking forward to working with him.” 

Dr. Mirmirani currently is a professor of Mechanical Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach campus, where he served as dean from 2007 to 2021. During his tenure as dean, he also served as the interim senior vice president for academic affairs and research from 2016 to 2018.

Dr. Mirmirani, who joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) in 1981, led major research projects funded by NASA, the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, NSF, and industry. He received his Ph.D. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Tehran Polytechnic.

Wei, who was named dean of the Russ College in May 2019, will assume a new role as associate vice president of research beginning July 6. Prior to serving as dean of the Russ College, she served as associate dean for research and graduate education in the School of Engineering at the University of Connecticut. 

“I am appreciative to Dr. Wei for her service to the Russ College,” Provost Sayrs said. “I wish her much success in her new role supporting our research mission.” 

Mirmirani will serve in the interim dean role through the end of the 2022-2023 academic year or until a permanent dean of Russ College of Engineering and Technology is named. A national search will launch in the fall.