Welcoming Dr. José R. Sánchez as New CES Dean
José R. Sánchez has been named the next dean of Purdue University Northwest’s College of Engineering and Sciences.
Dear Colleagues:
I am delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the national search for the next Dean of the College of Engineering and Sciences (CES). Please join me in welcoming Dr. José R. Sánchez to this role, effective May 1, 2025.
With his experience as an academic and leader, I am confident he will build upon the college’s established reputation, programmatic strengths and dedication to improving the quality of life and place for our students, their families and communities, as well as for our faculty and staff.
Dr. Sánchez most recently served at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts. While there, he held positions as dean of the School of Science and Engineering and founding dean of the School of Engineering and Computational Sciences. His accomplishments include securing transformative gifts that have benefited endowed professorships and research initiatives, helping expand sponsored research, collaborating on a master plan for the school’s physical expansion, launching several market-responsive bachelor’s and master’s level programs, and expanding numerous external partnerships with industry and government leaders.
Dr. Sánchez previously held administrative roles as dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science and founding dean of the School of Engineering at Wentworth Institute of Technology, and as founding director and associate dean of the R.B. Annis School of Engineering at the University of Indianapolis. He held faculty appointments at both institutions, as well as at Bradley University. Contingent on an expedited tenure approval process, he will also join the faculty in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Dr. Sánchez earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He earned both his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Bradley University. His impressive work experience is detailed in his CV.
I want to thank Dr. Bruce Berdanier for his service to Purdue University Northwest during his time as dean of CES. We will be working on a transition plan as Dr. Sánchez comes aboard. I also want to thank all the members of the CES Dean Search Committee, chaired by Dean Rachel Clapp-Smith, for all their time and excellent work in facilitating this search.
Sincerely,
Marie T. Mora, Ph.D.
Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs