Date: October 13, 2006
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

PNC Appoints Larryl Matthews Dean of Engineering & Technology

WESTVILLE – The Purdue University Board of Trustees has approved the appointment of Dr. Larryl Matthews as the first Dean of the College of Engineering & Technology at Purdue University North Central. He was selected for the appointment as a result of a national recruitment search.

“We are pleased to have an experienced professional of Dr. Matthews’ caliber join us at PNC,” said PNC Chancellor James B. Dworkin. “His background, coupled with his interest, enthusiasm and commitment to academic excellence will definitely be an asset in helping PNC and the College of Engineering & Technology reach their strategic goals. I know that Dr. Matthews has ambitious plans for the coming years that will benefit our students, our University and our community as a whole. We welcome Dr. Matthews and look forward to the coming months and years.”

An experienced educator and administrator, Matthews comes to PNC from The University of Maine where he was dean of the College of Engineering. In his seven years there, he became known for his creative and innovative leadership. With his guidance, the College’s research funds tripled; departmental enrollment grew by a third; annual giving for engineering increased ten-fold; the engineering endowment increased in value by more than 70 percent. The campus saw the addition of two College of Engineering buildings – the first since 1972.

In addition, he established a program to honor retired faculty members as well as recognition for current faculty members. Matthews also honored area high school teachers for their positive influence on the lives of his students and hopes to create a similar practice at PNC.

He explained that he will ask the Engineering & Technology students to name the high school teacher who had the most positive impact on them, regardless of their teaching discipline. After about three years, Matthews will review the lists to look for names that recur from semester to semester and year to year. As is his practice, Matthews will send letters to the teachers through their principals, notifying them of their distinction and he will present them with awards of recognition at their schools’ year-end award ceremonies.

“I enjoyed creating a number of programs that brought students, alumni, faculty and our emeriti faculty together and integrated all into our academic environment,” explained Matthews.

Matthews said he looks forward to helping the program grow in size and stature and intends to see the Engineering & Technology student population grow by 60 percent in the next five years.

Matthews is ready to forge relationships with the area business community. He explained that in his past, he has lived and worked in areas that are committed to providing opportunities for business and industry and have positive outlooks for economic development – all things that he sees in Northwest Indiana.

“I am happy to see that PNC is seen as a partner resource for economic development in this area. I look forward to working within the community; I see a lot of potential for growth,” said Matthews.

He is familiar with Purdue University; having earned his Ph. D. in Mechanical Engineering at the West Lafayette campus. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from New Mexico State University.

  Matthews has a vast background as an educator, researcher and scholar. He has authored more than 60 referred publications, refereed conference publications, invited papers and publications and authored a book entitled, “Laser and Eye Safety in the Laboratory.” He served as principal investigator on more than 25 research projects sponsored by the federal government, national laboratories and industry. While employed at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he participated in a range of studies on alternative energy and was a member of the original crew for its solar-thermal test facility. He continues to hold an interest in solar and alternate energy.

He also holds memberships in a number of professional societies and organizations and was elected to Fellow by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, its highest level of membership distinction.

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A photo can be found at http://www.pnc.edu/cd/news/newsphotos/mathews_larryl.jpg