New leadership set to lead baccalaureate programs in mechanical, software and electrical engineering plus industrial engineering technology
Dunwoody College of Technology, a private, non-profit institution of higher education and the pioneer, technical college in the Midwest, today announced its appointment of William B. Hudson as the Dean of the School of Engineering, effective January 22.
Prior to Dunwoody, Dr. Hudson served as Dean of the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science, professor of Electrical Engineering at University of Wisconsin-Platteville and as department chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Technology at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He has served as an accreditation visitor and trainer, and in other academic faculty roles at Kansas State University, New Mexico State University and Wilkes University. His appointment comes at the recommendation of the University’s president.
“Dunwoody is excited to have Bill leading our new School of Engineering as the Dean,” said Rich Wagner, president of Dunwoody College of Technology. “We know there is a huge need in our community and in the industry for the type of highly-skilled engineers Dunwoody’s new engineering programs are designed to deliver. His experience and expertise are an ideal fit as we continue to build out these great programs.”
In his role as dean, Hudson’s overall vision is to build upon a program that offers a true, hands-on approach to engineering. “Advancements in machine learning, and reductions in the cost of many technologies are creating exciting, new opportunities for students and faculty,” said Hudson. “The chance to assist and guide Dunwoody’s curriculum design through lab-rich experiences that support skill applicability truly excites me.”
A lifelong educator and advisor, Hudson’s work has focused on student involvement and community service, supporting numerous groups including Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) student chapters at both Minnesota State, Mankato and Kansas State, Circle K and PBL at University of Wisconsin-Platteville. His experience with international student populations has reinforced a belief in the need for ongoing assessment in all courses to quantify the educational experience and effectiveness, and to clearly identify student needs.
Specifically, on the research side, Hudson has supported NASA instrumentation, inspection of bridges using tethered robots, determining reasonable human performance shooting reaction times of law enforcement officers, and design of fuel ethanol plants. Patents have resulted from his research in the areas of bridge inspection and firearms response time.
Hudson received his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Metropolitan State College (1979), and his master’s degree (1986) and Ph.D. (1990) in Electrical Engineering with a minor in Industrial Engineering from New Mexico State University. He has also received additional management and senior leadership training through the Sprint University of Excellence and American Management Association.
To keep up with Dunwoody College School of Engineering, visit dunwoody.edu/engineering.