Dr. Dennis O'Neal named Dean of Baylor University's School of Engineering and Computer Science

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WACO, Texas (May 14, 2011) - Following a nationwide search, Dr. Dennis O'Neal, has been named the new dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science at Baylor University. His appointment is effective Aug. 6, 2012.

Dr. O'Neal has more than 30 years of experience in the mechanical engineering field and has taught HVAC, thermodynamics, heat transfer and engineering design, advising 40 master's and 18 doctoral students during his career. Before joining Baylor, he served as associate dean of research in the Dwight Look College of Engineering and deputy director for the Texas Engineering Experiment Station at Texas A&M University. Prior to that, he served as head of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Texas A&M.

"I am very excited about joining the School of Engineering and Computer Science at Baylor. I have been impressed with the quality of the engineering and computer science faculty and students I have met over the past few months. I am looking forward to working with the students, faculty and University administration to continue to increase both the prestige and visibility of undergraduate and graduate programs in the School. I would like for Baylor Engineering and Computer Science to become a destination for recruiters to find the best engineers and computer scientists in the state," said Dr. O'Neal.

For the past 10 years, Dr. O'Neal has held an endowed professorship for excellence in teaching and contributions to Texas A&M. He has been named a fellow in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers.

Additionally, he has been awarded research funding from the U.S. Army, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Siemens, LG Electronics, the Trane Company and the Texas Governor's Energy Office. To date, he has published more than 80 journal articles and two book chapters.
"Dr. O'Neal is a proven leader. For seven years, he led one of the largest mechanical engineering programs in the country with more than 60 faculty, 1,100 undergraduates and 400 graduate students. He was awarded an endowed professorship for his work with undergraduates and he has advised many graduate students. In addition, the quality of his scholarship has been recognized by a wide variety of public and private funding agencies" said Elizabeth Davis, Ph.D., executive vice president and provost at Baylor.

"Dr. O'Neal's extensive experience at Texas A&M will help him to skillfully guide our School of Engineering and Computer Science during this important time in Baylor's history," said Davis. "He is enthusiastic about bringing his specific expertise to help advance Baylor University's distinct mission. We very much look forward to his arrival in August."

O'Neal succeeds Dr. Ben Kelley, who served as dean of the school since 1999 and will return to teaching in the school's mechanical engineering department.

O'Neal obtained his doctoral degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University; a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Oklahoma State University; and a Bachelor of Science degree in nuclear engineering from Texas A&M University.

About Baylor
Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The university provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions.

About the School of Engineering and Computer Science
School of Engineering and Computer Science is home to computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering and computer science majors and provides a solid foundation to graduating computer scientists and engineers. Baylor engineering students achieve a higher passing rate on the Fundamentals of Engineering exam than students from any other engineering program in Texas. Each of Baylor's engineering and computer science programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.