A Letter from Dean Rick Koubek to our Alumni

Summer Greetings:

Change is inevitable as they say and we, in the college, are certainly experiencing our fair share this summer.

The building is undergoing significant renovations and the contractor has set the foundation for the new chemical engineering building. We will welcome 16 new faculty members to the college this Fall to advance our teaching and research mission. Approximately 1,500 new engineering, computer science and construction management freshmen will mark their arrival on campus in August, reinvigorating our purpose of service to the university and commitment to academic excellence.

And I, as Dean, will transition to the Office of Academic Affairs to serve as interim Executive Vice President and Provost of the university while they proceed with a national search to replace Dr. Stuart Bell, who has assumed the presidency position at the University of Alabama. In my absence, Dr. Judy Wornat will take the reigns as interim dean for the college.

Dr. Wornat joined LSU in 2002 after receiving her Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In 2012 she was named department chair of the Cain Department of Chemical Engineering. Her research earns high marks from her peers and her leadership in the department is much praised. She has my full confidence and I am sure you will all enjoy working with her.

During my time in Thomas Boyd Hall, I will remain intimately involved in the Patrick F. Taylor Hall and Chemical Engineering Building project, and will continue to work closely with the many donors who helped make the building a reality.

Several people have asked, how long is the interim period? Quite frankly, I don’t know. What I do know is that the college is on a solid path forward, and under Dr. Wornat’s leadership and with the support of our alumni, faculty and staff it will continue to grow.

In closing, I want to thank you all again for your interest and investment in our college. With you and your support, our work for the betterment of our students and citizens of Louisiana is on the fast-track.

Best wishes for a great summer.

Sincerely,

Rick Koubek, Dean
Bert S. Turner Chair in Engineering