Top leadership for the College of Engineering will remain in place for the next several years, as Dr. Nagi Naganathan’s contract is extended until June 2014.
Dr. Rosemary Haggett, Main Campus provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, forwarded the decision to The University of Toledo Board of Trustees Student and Academic Affairs Committee Monday afternoon.
In an announcement to all college personnel, Haggett wrote, “Dean Naganathan has proven himself a great leader since taking the helm of the college in 2000. Under his leadership, engineering has emerged as one of the signature programs on campus. The college’s commitment to ‘recruiting a graduating class,’ as the dean is fond of saying, is symbolic of the student-centeredness and excellence we strive for across the University. The research programs of the college and its engagement with the community also have flourished under Dean Naganathan’s leadership.”
According to Haggett, faculty and staff of the College of Engineering were given the opportunity during spring semester to provide feedback on Naganathan’s performance as dean. “That evaluation affirmed his leadership,” she added.
“During challenging times, it is imperative for success that we attract and retain leaders who not only possess a vision for the future, but who also can bring a strong sense of stability through their demeanor, professionalism and commitment to the organization,” Haggett wrote in the memo.
The new agreement will be able to “ensure a stability of leadership through June 2014,” she wrote.
The contract extension is subject to approval by the full board, which is scheduled to meet Monday, Sept. 21.