Marwan Simaan Named Interim Dean of UCF College of Engineering and Computer Science

By Chad Binette Jan. 7, 2009

Photo: Courtesy of UCF Marketing

The Harris Corporation Engineering Center is the newest of three engineering and computer science buildings on campus.

Full Photo

Story Images

• 

Click thumbnails for full-size images.

Marwan Simaan, the first National Academy of Engineering member to join the University of Central Florida faculty, has been appointed interim dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Provost and Executive Vice President Terry Hickey announced today.

Simaan, whose appointment is effective immediately, joined UCF in spring 2008 after a 32-year career at the University of Pittsburgh. In 2000, he was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional distinctions awarded to engineers.

Throughout his career, Simaan has collaborated closely with engineers, computer scientists, physicists, economists and faculty from a variety of other disciplines.

“Dr. Simaan’s strong commitment to interdisciplinary studies and research makes him an ideal candidate to lead the College of Engineering and Computer Science while we conduct a national search for a dean,” Hickey said. “His service will help the college continue to provide a first-class education and strengthen partnerships with industry and government leaders.”

Simaan holds the Florida 21st Century Chair and the title of Distinguished Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His research strengths span several areas in control, signal processing and telecommunication.

“I am deeply honored to have been selected to lead the college at this time,” Simaan said. “This is a special opportunity to work closely with the remarkable talent and wide range of expertise that exist in the College of Engineering and Computer Science at UCF.”

Members of the National Academy of Engineering are selected for “important contributions to engineering theory and practice, including significant contributions to the literature of engineering theory and practice,” and those who have demonstrated “unusual accomplishment in the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology."

Simaan is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Society for Engineering Education. He received a bachelor’s degree from the American University of Beirut, a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. All of those degrees are in Electrical Engineering.  In 2008, he received the University of Illinois College of Engineering award for distinguished service in Engineering.

Simaan and his wife, Rita, and daughter, Christina, reside in Winter Park.

UCF Stands For Opportunity: The University of Central Florida is a metropolitan research university that ranks as the 6th largest in the nation with more than 50,000 students. UCF's first classes were offered in 1968. The university offers impressive academic and research environments that power the region's economic development. UCF's culture of opportunity is driven by our diversity, Orlando environment, history of entrepreneurship and our youth, relevance and energy. For more information, visit http://news.ucf.edu.

< Back to the Newsroom

• About UCF
• Contact UCF
• Internet Privacy Policy
• Policies
• Regulations

© 1997-2008 University of Central Florida © 1997-2008 University of Central Florida

• 4000 Central Florida Blvd. Orlando, Florida, 32816
• 407.823.2000

UCF Stands For Opportunity