Thursday, December 4th, 2014
Albayyari named Lake Campus dean
By Jared Mauch
CELINA - Wright State University-Lake Campus officials have named Dr. Jay Albayyari of Indiana University-Purdue University, Fort Wayne, Ind., as the new dean.
He will begin his duties as dean-elect of the lake campus in Celina on April 1 and officially fill the position July 1.
Current dean Bonnie Mathies will remain at the post until she retires June 30. She was permanently hired for the position in April 2011 after serving as interim dean starting June 2010.
"I feel that it is a great opportunity and a good fit for me and where I am in my career," Albayyari told the newspaper.
Currently, he is the associate vice chancellor for research and external support at IPFW.
He believes the lakeside university has big potential.
"They have the opportunity to increase the student body with the array of degrees they offer. Now with the on-campus housing they can also look to increase the student body both locally and internationally," he said.
Albayyari said he would like to link the university and the community and see what they can offer each other.
Albayyari in 1995 started teaching at Northern Kentucky University as an assistant professor of manufacturing engineering. From August 1999 until June 2006, he was the professor of mechanical engineering technology at Eastern Michigan. He then began his career at IPFW where he has held several positions: chair of engineering technology departments; associate dean of college of engineering for technology and computer science; and associate vice chancellor for research, engagement and sponsored events.
Albayyari earned his bachelor's degree, master's degree and doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati.
Matthies believes Albayyari is a good choice.
"I believe the campus is pleased to have played a lead role in the selection of Dr. Albayyari, who brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this position," she said.
The search for a new dean was led and organized by Dr. Kristin Sobolik of the Dayton WSU campus, according to lake campus student services and public relations director Sandi Holdheide. Members of the lake campus faculty and staff were on the search committee.
University officials did not state how many candidates applied or were interviewed for the job.
