Leadership Transition – College of Engineering
David W. Hahn has been named the sole finalist to serve as president of Boise State University.
Dear students and colleagues,
I am pleased to share a prestigious opportunity for one of our academic leaders. The Craig M. Berge Dean of the College of Engineering, David W. Hahn, has been named the sole finalist to serve as president of Boise State University. His last day at the University of Arizona will be June 30.
Dr. Hahn joined the U of A in 2019 to lead the college and has been a remarkable leader and champion for the entire university throughout his tenure. His legacy is marked by a significant rise in student enrollment, strong retention and graduation rates, and an expansion of faculty and staff in support of the college’s academic and research missions.
He expanded academic offerings through the establishment of the Craig M. Berge Engineering Design Program, a four-year experiential curriculum in which students complete hands-on projects every year. He also helped create Software Engineering and Computer Science and Engineering programs, an engineering track in the Bachelor’s in Applied Humanities, and a degree collaboration with Eller College of Management for the Bachelor of Science in Integrated Business and Engineering.
Under Dr. Hahn’s leadership, the College of Engineering tripled its research expenditures and sharpened its focus on pressing challenges in food, water, energy, healthcare and national security. Dr. Hahn helped secure more than $45 million in state legislative funding to support key initiatives, including the new Cancer Engineering program developed in collaboration with the Arizona Cancer Center and College of Medicine – Tucson, the establishment of the School of Mining Engineering and Mineral Resources, and advancements in hypersonic technologies. He also oversaw the launch of a partnership with the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance, leading to the creation of the Arizona Near Space Studies Institute.
Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Hahn fostered a strong culture of teamwork, mutual respect and collegiality within the college. He is an accomplished academic leader, devoted mentor and beloved colleague who will be deeply missed and leaves big shoes to fill. We are incredibly proud of him, and Boise State University would be fortunate to have him.
In the coming weeks, I will appoint an interim dean to lead the college. I welcome nominations, including self-nominations from qualified leaders, for this role. Submission packets should include a statement of interest (1-2 pages) and a CV detailing relevant research and professional experience. Please submit nominations by June 24. An advisory committee will review submissions, engage with campus partners and provide a formal recommendation.
We will soon launch a national search for a permanent successor. More information about this process will be shared soon along with opportunities for meaningful engagement with the campus community.
It has been a privilege to work alongside Dr. Hahn, and I am grateful for all he has brought to the college and the university community. Please join me in congratulating him on this well-deserved opportunity and wishing him great success as he embarks on this exciting new journey.
Sincerely,
Patricia A. Prelock
Provost and Chief Academic Officer
This email was sent to all faculty, staff and students in the College of Engineering; university senior leaders and Provost Integrated Leadership Team.