Purdue News
Purdue News
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April 12, 2002 Alumnus Depew returns to Purdue as dean of technologyWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University alumnus and former administrator Dennis R. Depew, dean of the College of Applied Sciences and a professor of engineering technology at Western Carolina University, has been named dean of Purdue's School of Technology.
The appointment, effective July 1, was confirmed today (Friday, 4/12) by the Purdue Board of Trustees. "This is great news for Purdue," said Provost Sally Frost Mason. "Many people who knew Dennis and worked with him are thrilled that he will be coming back. His vision for the School of Technology and his outstanding record of leadership are exactly what we were looking for. We're very fortunate." Depew received his bachelor's and master's degrees from East Tennessee State University. Depew had been on the Purdue faculty since earning his doctoral degree in industrial technology here in 1987. Depew's teaching and research has focused on quality and productivity improvement and strategic management. While at Purdue, he also served as coordinator for Excellence 21, Purdue's continuous quality improvement program. Since leaving Purdue in 1999, Depew has been dean of the College of Applied Sciences at Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, N.C., overseeing the departments of criminal justice, engineering technology, health sciences, human environmental sciences, nursing and physical therapy. Depew will replace Don K. Gentry, who became vice provost for engagement last August. Frederick Emshousen has been serving as acting dean. "Dr. Depew is a man known for his vision, integrity and leadership," said Purdue President Martin C. Jischke. "He shares with me the goal of making the School of Technology a global leader in technology education, as well as an instrument for the economic development of the state and nation, through engagement with our constituents and industry partners." Depew said: "As we look to the future, I am confident the School of Technology will play an important role in accomplishing the university's strategic plan. The academic programs in the school and our statewide delivery system are the envy of the nation and will be important catalysts in reviving the economy of the state of Indiana. "On a national level, Purdue's School of Technology is considered to be a preeminent leader in technology and applied science education. We will continue this effort by focusing on recruiting and retaining outstanding faculty and staff, superior undergraduate and graduate curricula, excellence in scholarship and results-oriented fund raising." Depew is a senior member of the American Society of Quality, the American Society for Engineering Education and the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions. He is the author of more than 50 technical publications and papers and has served as a technical consultant for Fortune 500 companies. Depew has served the National Association of Industrial Technology as president of the University Division and chair of the executive board, and is currently chair of the foundation board. Presently he is a senior member of the American Society for Quality, the American Society for Engineering Education and the Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions. Purdue's School of Technology has a faculty of approximately 200 with more than 6,000 students. Last year, 1,778 students earned degrees from the school. Degree programs include aviation technology, building construction management, computer graphics technology, computer and information systems technology, computer integrated manufacturing technology, electrical engineering technology, industrial technology, mechanical engineering technology, organizational leadership and supervision, graduate programs in technology, and statewide technology. The Statewide Technology Delivery System is a partnership between education, business, industry and government directed by the School of Technology at the West Lafayette campus. It was created to extend Purdue's existing technology degree-programs across the state to help meet Indiana communities' need for trained technologists and technicians. It also assists workers who want to update their understanding of modern technology and recent high school graduates who want to live in their own communities while earning a Purdue degree. The School of Technology statewide system includes Purdue programs in Anderson, Columbus, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Lafayette, Muncie, New Albany, Richmond, South Bend/Elkhart and Versailles. All technical courses are taught by Purdue faculty and course credits apply toward a Purdue degree and are transferable to other Purdue locations. New ventures at the school include the Digital Enterprise Center, E-Business Laboratories Initiative, Purdue International Center for Entertainment Technology and the Advanced Information Technology Continuing Education Program. Writer: Grant Flora, (765) 494-2073, gflora@purdue.edu Sources: Dennis R. Depew, (828) 227-7271, depew@wcu.edu Martin C. Jischke, (765) 494-9708 Sally Frost Mason (765) 494-9709, sfmason@purdue.edu Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
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