In recognition of his many successful efforts to foster the growth of Fairfield University's School of Engineering, Dr. Evangelos Hadjimichael, its founding dean, has been named a Bridgeport Engineering Institute (BEI) Fellow.

The School of Engineering has its roots in BEI.

In the early 1990s, Dr. Hadjimichael, then a professor in the College of Arts & Sciences, alerted Fairfield administrators about an opportunity to merge the 70-year-old Bridgeport Engineering Institute into the University, and so establish the School of Engineering. During his tenure, he successfully converted the engineering school from an institution geared to part-time evening students to one that is now offering numerous undergraduate degree programs to full-time, as well as part-time students. In addition, four master's degree programs were added, starting in 1998.

At a gathering celebrating the fellowship induction, Harvey F. Hoffman, Ed.D., director of the School's Management of Technology program, said that Dr. Hadjimichael has carried on a proud tradition of service to BEI. "As he joined the Fairfield University faculty in 1967, he was familiar with the processes and procedures of the University ... He was an ideal person to lead the integration of the newly merged school into the Fairfield University fold," said Dr. Hoffman, noting Dr. William Krummel was BEI president at the time of the merger.

A resident of Woodbridge, Conn., Dr. Hadjimichael has built quite a legacy at Fairfield.

Among his many contributions, he introduced numerous innovations, including an Assessment and Continuous Quality Improvement Process (AQUIP), which proved to be invaluable in the School gaining re-accreditation in 1999 and again in 2005, from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

In order to support the many new programs offered by the School, he established full-time faculty in the main programs of electrical, computer, software, mechanical, and automated manufacturing engineering, as well as in Management of Technology.

"He has promoted change in the School of Engineering and encouraged faculty to remain technically current, as leading-edge professionals in their areas of expertise," noted Dr. Hoffman, adding the dean has also assisted in the School obtaining grants from a variety of sources.

It may not be well known that Dr. Hadjimichael is a student-centered administrator, providing guidance and mentoring to both graduate and undergraduate students to help them to overcome difficult personal and academic situations.

From high school to higher education, he has encouraged the study of engineering. These include helping to establish the High School Engineering Academy on the Fairfield campus, and shepherding the establishment of a statewide nanotechnology minor linking the University with research institutions. In addition, he was the driving force behind the establishment of academic alliances that are providing a seamless pathway for community college students into the School of Engineering.

Dr. Hadjimichael will soon be stepping down as dean during a time of significant growth at the School. Following a sabbatical during the 2010-2011 academic year, he will return to teach and do research at Fairfield. Jack W. Beal, Ph.D., a Fairfield faculty member for the past 24 years, has been named the new dean.

Posted On: 06-29-2010 10:06 AM

Volume: 42 Number: 319