James H. Aylor (EE '68, '71, '77), Louis T. Rader Professor and Associate Dean of Academic Programs, has been named interim dean of the Engineering School, following the retirement of Richard W. Miksad.

"'Change creates opportunity' is, no doubt, a familiar phrase to many and it is very much the situation for the Engineering School these days," says Dean Aylor.

"The change at the helm has already created opportunity for the School. Although the recruiting process for a permanent dean is still underway, the interviewing process brought several important facts to light. The University administration recognizes that resources in the form of faculty positions and new space are critical to the success of our School. In addition, President Casteen acknowledges that science and engineering must be strengthened in order for the University to maintain its status as a top-ranked public (and overall) university."

Aylor is a familiar face at the Engineering School, having served on the faculty of the Charles L. Brown Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering since 1978, including serving as chair for six years. He is an active researcher in the area of complex computer system design, including computer technology for healthy aging.

He served as president of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Computer Society, is a fellow of the IEEE, and while chair of ECE, served as president of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Heads Association.

"These are exciting times for the School. Wilsdorf Hall, the new 80,000 square foot nanoscience and engineering building, will be completed in 2006. Ground should be broken for a new Information Technology Engineering building that will be the focal point of most of the information technology activities across the Grounds in 2006. We have excellent faculty, undergraduate and graduate students and much to celebrate and look forward to. With the full support of the faculty and the University administration, I intend to continue to advance the School and to take advantage of the outstanding opportunities that are ahead," Aylor said.