ME Professor S. Jack Hu was appointed the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, effective September 1, 2009. Hu is also G. Lawton and Louise G. Johnson Professor of Engineering.
In annoucing the appointment, College of Engineering Dean David C. Munson, Jr. commented on his decision, saying, “In his current position, Jack has distinguished himself across the entire campus as a creative problem solver and decision maker, with high scholarly standards and a friendly, positive outlook.”
As Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Hu will work closely with the Dean and the other members of the College of Engineering administrative team. Of the variety of responsibilities that Hu’s new position entails, he said the tasks that he most enjoys involve “working with faculty, including faculty recruiting, appointment, promotion and tenure.” Hu will also oversee merit review, overall budget review and planning, and space allocation and management.
A typical term for associate deans is five years, but Hu requested a shorter term since he already served as Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education for two and a half years. His term as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will span three years, which brings his total service as associate dean to a little more than five years.
Hu hold a joint appointment as a professor of Industrial and Operations Engineering. He also serves as the University Co-Director of General Motors Collaborative Research Laboratory on Advanced Vehicle Manufacturing. His research interests include assembly and materials joining, engineering statistics, and the design and performance analysis of manufacturing systems. He is the editor-in-chief for Journal of Manufacturing Systems.