BGSU announces new dean for College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Following a competitive national search, Bowling Green State University has selected Dr. Wael Mokhtar as its next dean for the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering.

Currently, Mokhtar serves as director of the School of Engineering at Grand Valley State University in Michigan where he is responsible for the school’s day-to-day operations. As the school's director, he has led multiple successful student recruitment and retention initiatives, developed new engineering degree programs and led two successful ABET accreditations.

Mokhtar holds a doctorate in aerospace engineering from Old Dominion University and is a professor of mechanical engineering at Grand Valley State University. His research interests include computational fluid dynamics, wind tunnel testing, vehicle aerodynamics and teaching methods.

He is set to join BGSU in July and will succeed Dr. Kendall T. Harris, who has served as interim dean of the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering since August 2023.

"We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Dr. Wael Mokhtar at BGSU," said Dr. Joe B. Whitehead Jr., provost and senior vice president at BGSU. "His expertise and leadership will undoubtedly propel the College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering to new heights, and we are excited to embark on this journey with him."

Mokhtar's selection as dean comes as BGSU deepens its commitment to meeting workforce demands through reimagined engineering programs while building upon its longstanding, quality offerings in technology and applied engineering.

Starting this fall, BGSU will enroll students in its updated offerings in robotics engineering, electronic and computer engineering and mechanical and manufacturing engineering. The innovative programs will equip students with a comprehensive skill set that couples the fundamentals of engineering design with a strong foundation in math and science. Students also will acquire practical, hands-on engineering expertise in the classroom and in the field, enhancing their appeal to future employers.

The BGSU College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering is further supporting workforce needs through its in-demand aviation program, which features a unique public-private partnership with Northstar Aviation. Students in the BGSU School of Aviation train on one of the most modern fleets of aircraft in Ohio at an airport located on campus. The college is also home to the only-of-its-kind BGSU School of the Built Environment housed in Kokosing Hall, where architecture and construction management majors learn side-by-side, highlighting a unique concept brought forth by industry partners.

For more information on the BGSU College of Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering and related degrees, visit BGSU.edu/CTAAE.