Sent on behalf of Provost Jerold Hale: Greetings faculty and staff colleagues, I am excited to inform the campus community that Dr. Ahad Nasab has been appointed interim dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science. With over 30 years of experience developing and directing engineering and engineering technology programs, Dr. Nasab has the knowledge and expertise to succeed in this role. Ahad brings a wealth of experience to this position. Given his demonstrated leadership abilities and dedication to academic excellence, I have no doubt that he will offer the faculty, staff and students of the CECS invaluable direction and assistance during this interim period. Dr. Nasab came to UTC in 2018 as head of the Department of Engineering Management and Technology and Burkett Miller Chair of Excellence. As the head of the department, he has overseen the growth of the engineering management, mechatronics and construction management programs. He has been at the forefront in creating two cutting-edge labs and growing the fledgling mechatronics program from five students to nearly 100 in just five years. The engineering management program has earned national recognition during his stewardship, and he has been a driving force in developing articulation agreements with numerous community colleges throughout the Southeast region. While his work in building collaboration and consensus among faculty is one of his greatest strengths, his tremendous work with student recruitment can't be left unsaid. I have appreciated the number of University and student recruitment events he has participated in. His student-centric nature isn't new; he was one of the original faculty members participating in UTC's Faculty-in-Residence program, living full-time in a residence hall to serve as a mentor, teacher and friend. He has been part of the program for four years, significantly impacting student retention, and he continues to strengthen students' curricular and co-curricular activities. During his lengthy higher education career, he also has taught at Middle Tennessee State University, Vanderbilt University and the UT Space Institute. He is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and A/C Engineers, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the American Society for Engineering Education. In Ahad, I am confident we have someone who will continue to move the University's priorities forward. He has demonstrated exceptional leadership within his own department and has significantly contributed to the success of his faculty. As he engages with various stakeholders in the coming weeks to facilitate a smooth transition, please share with him your thoughts, ideas and aspirations for the college. Join me in congratulating Dr. Nasab as he assumes this critical position. I have no doubt that under his guidance, the College of Engineering and Computer Science will continue to prosper. Thank you, Jerold L. Hale Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs -- John "Matt" Matthews Vice Provost University of Tennessee at Chattanooga