Dr. Shawn Ostermann named interim dean of Russ College of Engineering and Technology

Interim Executive Vice President and Provost (EVPP) John McCarthy has announced that Dr. Shawn Ostermann has been named interim dean of the Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ College of Engineering and Technology, effective Oct. 5, 2026.

To help support this leadership transition, current interim dean Dr. Maj Mirmirani will continue to serve the college in an advisory role through Oct. 31.

A longtime member of the Ohio University community, Ostermann brings more than three decades of experience at OHIO to the role, including extensive academic and administrative leadership within the Russ College. He is currently a tenured associate professor in the Russ College’s School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

“Dr. Ostermann’s deep knowledge of the Russ College and Ohio University, combined with his extensive leadership experience and longstanding commitment to our students, faculty and staff, will provide significant continuity and perspective during this transition,” said Interim EVPP McCarthy. “I am grateful for his willingness to step into this role and lead the college during this important time.”

Ostermann joined Ohio University as an assistant professor of computer science in 1993 and has held numerous leadership roles throughout his career. He served as assistant chair for computer science and later as chair of the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from 2003 to 2010, during which he also served five months as OHIO’s interim chief information officer (CIO) from 2006 to 2007. He was named associate dean for research, graduate studies and planning in 2010 and served as senior associate dean for research and graduate studies from 2017 to 2021.

In these roles, Ostermann worked closely with college leadership on academic and strategic planning, staffing, budgeting, development, alumni relations and graduate education.

Ostermann’s research and creative activity has focused on computer networking and communications. During his career, he has served as a principal investigator, co-principal investigator or collaborator on more than $4.4 million in sponsored research supported by organizations including NASA, the National Science Foundation, Google and the Ohio Space Grant Consortium. He has also received multiple Outstanding Teaching Awards from the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Ostermann earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in computer science from Purdue University.

As the University prepares for this leadership transition, it also recognizes Dr. Maj Mirmirani for his service to the Russ College.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Mirmirani for once again stepping forward to serve OHIO and the Russ College,” said Interim EVPP McCarthy. “His experience and steady leadership have provided important continuity during this transition, and we are grateful for his willingness to return to Ohio University and serve our community.”

Ostermann will serve as interim dean while the University conducts a national search for a permanent leader of the Russ College of Engineering and Technology.