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SDSU Hires New Dean for College of Engineering Veteran Engineering Dean from University of South Alabama Starts Aug. 15		Click here to download high-resolution picture

SAN DIEGO, Wednesday, June 12, 2002 - David T. Hayhurst, Ph.D., who as dean of the College of Engineering at the University of South Alabama fostered significant increases in external research funding and minority student enrollment, has been hired as dean of the College of Engineering at San Diego State University. He will take over for interim dean Gordon Lee on Aug. 15.

"Dr. Hayhurst is a strong addition to the university because he's well-versed in the issues, challenges and opportunities encountered by urban engineering colleges," said SDSU President Stephen L. Weber. "We expect his leadership, in combination with the talent and resources he'll administer, will enable our College of Engineering to enhance its standing as a premier educational and applied research institution in the San Diego region and around the country."

Hayhurst, who held his post at the 11,000-student university in Mobile, Ala., since January 1992, said he is eager to begin his work in San Diego.

"I was ready to move on to a larger university, and one whose engineering program was already ranked in the top 100 nationally, had a good base of teaching, and had a dedicated body of faculty, staff, and graduate and undergraduate students. San Diego State University met all of those criteria," Hayhurst said. "I'm really impressed with the San Diego region and the university's interaction with local industry, and I hope to develop those collaborations and partnerships even more."

San Diego State University's College of Engineering is home to six degree programs (Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering) and six research centers. It has more than 1,800 students and approximately 50 full-time faculty. In 2001-2002 the college received more than $2.3 million in external grants and contracts for research and program administration, more than quadruple the amount it was awarded in 1996-97.

Hayhurst, 51, will visit SDSU several times between now and his official start date to meet with faculty and staff and become more familiar with the college's programs and priorities. "In my book, the dean doesn't choose the direction for the college, but is a facilitator for moving the college forward," he said. "That means embracing the ambitions and interests of the faculty, and challenging them to constantly build upon their demonstrated excellence."

At the University of South Alabama, Hayhurst supervised a college with approximately 880 students in 2001-2002. His achievements include:

• Helping the College of Engineering achieve a 20-fold increase in external grants and contracts during his 10-year deanship.



• Launching a Computer Engineering undergraduate major in 1994 that's on track to become the college's largest program.



• Establishing a College of Engineering Industrial Advisory Board consisting of more than 25 top-level executives from companies in Alabama, Mississippi and Florida employing the university's graduates.



• Increasing minority student undergraduate enrollment from 11.2 percent of the college's student population in 1995 to 19.6 percent in 1999.

Prior to his position at the University of South Alabama, Hayhurst served as chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Cleveland State University. He holds a Ph.D and a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and a master's degree in Chemical Engineering from MIT. His research specialty is molecular sieve zeolites - materials used in industrial pollution control processes.

Hayhurst and his wife, Mari, raise and show AKC champion Great Danes and Whippets.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Founded in 1897, SDSU has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 78 areas, master's degrees in 61 areas and doctorates in 13. SDSU's more than 34,000 students participate in academic curricula distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information log on to www.sdsu.edu.

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