School News

New Dean of School of Science, Engineering and Technology Named

Winston Erevelles, Ph.D., currently dean of the School of Engineering, Mathematics and Science at Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania, has been named the new dean of St. Mary's University's School of Science, Engineering and Technology.

At Robert Morris since 1999, Erevelles held several positions before being named dean of the School of Engineering, Mathematics and Science in 2005. Some of the accomplishments during his tenure there include developing new programs with biomedical, industrial and mechanical engineering concentrations; designing an integrated bachelor/master degree engineering program; creating 2+2 engineering and science programs with institutions in China, India and Nepal; as well as establishing articulation agreements with several community colleges. Another major focus for Erevelles is outreach to middle and high school students; he has worked to develop workshops, camps, competitions and conferences to introduce young students to the world of science and technology.

"Through his international and national connections, Erevelles will build upon the School of Science, Engineering and Technology's existing partnerships, while at the same time helping St. Mary's explore and forge new relationships, to bring cutting edge scientific programs to St. Mary's that will benefit the region, state and the nation," said Charles L. Cotrell, Ph.D., president of St. Mary's University.

Erevelles' research and expertise is in computer integrated manufacturing, robotics, manufacturing automation, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering and manufacturing processes. He serves as a program evaluator for manufacturing engineering programs for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); he's also a member of the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Erevelles has held teaching positions at Kettering University (formerly GMI Engineering and Management Institute), and the University of Missouri-Rolla. Prior to that, he was a plant manager for Mykron Engineers in Bombay, India. He received his bachelor's degree from Bangalore University in India, and both a master's degree and doctorate in Engineering Management from the University of Missouri-Rolla.

"St. Mary's University has an enduring reputation for academic excellence and service to the community," said Erevelles. "Having a range of science, technology and engineering disciplines under a single umbrella is a competitive advantage and offers many exciting collaborative opportunities for our faculty and students. The school is endowed with abundant talent and I am eager to start working with my colleagues to serve our students and the needs of the region and the nation."

Erevelles will be on campus to assume his duties as the new dean beginning August 1.

Current Dean Anthony J. Kaufmann, Ph.D., had previously announced that he would retire at the end of this academic year. Dean Kaufmann has taught at St. Mary's for 40 years, becoming dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology in 1984.

"Under Dean Kaufmann's 25 years of leadership, the School of Science, Engineering and Technology's undergraduate pre-professional programs rose to national prominence giving our students entree to the best medical and dental schools and research programs in the country," said Cotrell. "He's always strived to provide the best for our students, and always succeeded. The St. Mary's community thanks him for his years of contribution, service and leadership."

More than half of St. Mary's graduates who apply are admitted to medical and dental schools, well above the national average of 35 percent. Also under Dean Kaufmann, degree programs in Industrial Engineering and Electrical Engineering received and maintained accreditation by ABET.