Purdue names new dean to lead College of Technology
Gary R. Bertoline
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Gary R. Bertoline has been appointed dean of the Purdue College of Technology, university officials announced Monday (May 9).
The appointment, subject to ratification by the university's Board of Trustees, is effective July 1.
Bertoline, who has been at Purdue since 1990, is associate dean for graduate studies in the College of Technology, a distinguished professor in the Department of Computer Graphics Technology and a professor of computer and information technology. He also is the executive director of the Center for Professional Studies and Applied Research (ProSTAR), which focuses on delivering degree and non-degree programs for business and industry.
"Gary has a deep understanding of the College of Technology's critical roles as a leader in technology education and as an instrument to improve Hoosier communities and enhance economic development through partnerships," said Purdue President France A. Córdova. "I'm looking forward to seeing what the college and its students will accomplish under his leadership and through his vision."
Vic Lechtenberg, vice provost for engagement, chaired the 14-person search committee.
"Committee members did a fantastic job in evaluating what was an outstanding pool of candidates," Lechtenberg said. "Gary distinguished himself among that group by virtue of his ongoing commitment to excellence during his long and distinguished career at Purdue."
From 1995 through 2002, Bertoline served as head of the computer graphics technology department. He also previously served as director of Purdue's Envision Center for Data Perceptualization and director of the Rosen Center for Advanced Computing. His research interests are in virtual reality, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and cyberinfrastructure. He has presented more than 100 papers at professional conferences and authored numerous papers and textbooks on engineering and computer graphics, computer-aided design, and visualization research.
"It's exciting to take the helm of a college that offers so many programs that are integral to the state and nation's economic vitality and future," Bertoline said. "By working closely with government and industry, we will continue to seek out innovative ways to provide real-world experiences for our students and real-world solutions that will have an impact in Indiana and globally."
As dean, Bertoline will oversee one of the nation's largest technology schools, with more than 5,300 students and 35,000 living alumni. Students can pursue degrees in aviation technology, building and construction management, computer and information technology, computer graphics technology, electrical and computer engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, and technology leadership and innovation.
Through Statewide Technology, people have the opportunity to study at regional locations and pursue degrees based on current and projected workforce needs within that region. Program sites are located in Anderson, Columbus, Greensburg, Indianapolis, Kokomo, Lafayette, New Albany, Richmond, South Bend and Vincennes. More than 80 percent of those earning degrees through statewide locations remain in the state after graduation.
Bertoline earned his bachelor's degree in industrial technology from Northern Michigan University in 1974, a master's in technology education from Miami University in 1979 and a doctorate in technology education from Ohio State University in 1987. Prior to coming to Purdue he was an instructor and coordinator of design drafting technology at Wright State University's Lake Campus and an assistant professor in Ohio State's Department of Engineering Graphics.
Writer: Brian Zink, 765-494-2080, bzink@purdue.edu
Sources: France A. Córdova, president@purdue.edu
Gary R. Bertoline, 765-496-6071, bertoline@purdue.edu