UGA names interim dean for College of Engineering

The University of Georgia names an interim dean for its College of Engineering: Stephen Durham is a professor and assistant dean in UGA’s Engineering school. He’ll take over dean Donald Leo, who is leaving Athens Georgia for Athens Ohio and a job as a vice president at Ohio University.

From Mike Wooten, UGA Today…

Stephan Durham, a professor and assistant dean in the University of Georgia’s College of Engineering, has been named interim dean of the college.

An accomplished teacher, researcher and administrator, Durham is the Juneau Construction Company Professor in Civil Engineering and assistant dean for student success and outreach. He will succeed Donald Leo who is leaving UGA to become executive vice president and provost at Ohio University. Durham will start as interim dean on June 1, enabling a smooth transition prior to Leo’s departure on July 1.

“I am delighted that Professor Durham has agreed to lead the College of Engineering as interim dean,” said S. Jack Hu, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “His commitment to students and his distinguished record as a scholar, teacher and leader make him an exceptional choice for this important role.”

Durham’s teaching and research focus on innovative concrete materials and mixtures, design and evaluation of pavements, non-destructive testing, evaluation of construction practices and bridge engineering.

As assistant dean, Durham is responsible for leading the college’s Office of Student Success. The office oversees student engagement and success initiatives, experiential learning opportunities, and recruitment and outreach. He develops and executes professional development activities for undergraduate and graduate students; organizes undergraduate peer tutoring; coordinates fellowships, scholarships and travel award programs; co-advises the college’s student ambassador program and Equity Engineers Council; coordinates student club activities; and leads the college’s Emerging Engineers Leadership Development program.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve the college and university in this interim role and work with our incredible faculty, staff and students to continue advancing our college’s national and international reputation,” said Durham.

Durham joined UGA’s engineering faculty as an associate professor and program coordinator for civil engineering in 2012. In this role, he led the development of the college’s new undergraduate degree program in civil engineering. He also played a key part in the development and management of the college’s innovative capstone design program. The two-semester course connects multidisciplinary teams of students with industry and community partners to address real-world engineering challenges. Durham was promoted to full professor in 2019.

Durham earned his doctorate in civil engineering with a structural engineering emphasis from the University of Arkansas.

A Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Durham has received several accolades for his work. His honors include the 2023 Lee Anne Seawell Award presented by the UGA Career Center for his impact on the career development of students, the 2020 Engaged Scholar Award presented by UGA Public Service and Outreach, the 2022 and 2016 UGA College of Engineering Award for Excellence in Instruction and the 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers Georgia Section President’s Award.

The Georgia Engineering Alliance named Durham its 2013 Georgia Engineer of the Year in Education, and he received the University of Arkansas College of Engineering Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 2012. Durham is a licensed professional engineer and serves as the American Society of Civil Engineers’ state advocacy captain and on the organization’s Transportation Policy Committee.

Provost Hu will soon appoint a committee to lead a national search for the next dean of the College of Engineering.

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