After a 30-year relationship with UB as a faculty administrator and dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Mark Karwan announced he is stepping down from his position.
"His long term as dean is the result of his terrific leadership and strong support both from within SEAS and from the higher administration," said D. Joseph Mook, chair of the mechanical and aerospace engineering department. "The reaction of many in SEAS to his stepping down is strong disappointment, but we all realize that these appointments are not permanent and that this day would come sooner or later."
Karwan, 54, served 19 years as a faculty administrator and 12 years as dean of the school of engineering. He said he plans on continuing his work for UB as a professor of industrial engineering.
In order to make the transition from dean to professor, he has to complete another 12-15 years as an active faculty member. Karwan said he is looking forward to the life of a professor as well as getting back into work with graduate students.
He also said he plans on taking pleasure in leisure time with his family here in Buffalo.
"I'm a UB person and will always be a UB person," Karwan said.
Provost Satish Tripathi said that it is known across the campus that Karwan is an undergraduate education innovator and he has been integral in building substantial university partnerships.
Dennis Renders, a junior civil engineering major, said Karwan has done a lot for the engineering school over the past decade.
"Hopefully the new dean will share a similar vision and help the school continue to grow," Renders said.
To find a new dean, UB is holding a national search, though there is also the chance there may be an in-house promotion. Karwan will continue serving his position until a new dean is appointed, which is expected to be December of next year.
During his tenure with UB, Karwan was the recipient of four teaching awards, created the Student Excellence Initiative, launched major development initiatives, established the SEAS Office of International Education, oversaw the move of the department of computer science into the engineering school, created new and expanded existing research centers, and intensified the school's corporate outreach and economic development programs.
"A tireless fundraiser, Dean Karwan established the SEAS Dean's Advisory Council," said Tripathi. "(This) contributed to the school's very successful comprehensive campaign and ultimately to the success of UB's 'Generation to Generation' campaign, the most extensive capital-raising campaign in university history."
This change in leadership, although disappointing to some, is not totally dreadful. As Mook said, "It is simply a natural part of the academic institution."
David Costable, a senior civil engineering major, said he feels it will be hard for UB to fill Karwan's shoes.
"The school of engineering has benefited greatly from his leadership and I hope that the search for a new dean will bring us someone who will contribute as much as he has," he said.
