Transitions in CEE Department Leadership

Jonathan P. Stewart has been appointed as the 8^th Chair of the CEE department, effective July 1, 2012. Stewart succeeds Professor JS Chen, who led the department through a successful 5-year term in which CEE experienced substantial growth in its undergraduate and graduate student body, the appointment of two new faculty, and further strengthening of the department’s reputation, impact, and ranking.

Professor Stewart joined UCLA as an Assistant Professor in 1997, advancing to tenure in 2003 and full Professor in 2007. He has served previously as the CEE Vice Chair for Undergraduate Studies (2005-2007) and as the CEE Graduate Advisor (2007-2012). He spearheaded the development of the CEE Industrial Affiliate Program since 2007, which has generated vital funding for the department while strengthening industry connections. Further information on Stewart’s academic background and research interests are available here.

Professor Scott J. Brandenberg will continue as the CEE Vice Chair for Undergraduate Studies and Professor Steven A. Margulis has been appointed as the new Graduate Advisor. Professor Eric M.V. Hoek is assuming responsibility for the Industrial Affiliate Program.

The department leadership will work to continue to strengthen CEE’s position as a domestic and international leader in Civil Engineering education, research, and service. Several initiatives in this regard are in the planning stages, and will be described in future issues of the CEE Department newsletter. As always, the intellectual and financial support of our outstanding students, alumni, and industrial partners are essential, and we will work to further improve these relationships in the years to come.