Mitchell tapped as new dean of USI's Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education

Dr. Zane Mitchell has accepted the position of dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education at the University of Southern Indiana. The announcement was made Tuesday, November 29 by Dr. Ronald Rochon, provost of the University, and is effective December 1. Mitchell has served as interim dean of the College since June.

"I am extremely excited to introduce Dr. Zane Mitchell, as our next dean of the Pott College," said Rochon. "Zane is a highly talented and well respected colleague across our campus. He brings a wealth of teaching and administrative experience to the position, as well as great enthusiasm to continue serving our student body."

Mitchell, professor of engineering and chair of USI's Engineering Department, joined the USI faculty in 2009. Prior to his arrival at USI, he completed a career in the United States Air Force, including three tours of duty as a faculty member at the United States Air Force Academy. He also served as deputy director of the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program and led a multi-national team in the design and construction of a $1 billion facility in Siberia for the destruction of nerve agents. He served as a military pilot, and was deployed to numerous overseas locations in support of flying and ground operations.

"I am both humbled and excited to have the opportunity to serve as the next dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education," said Mitchell. "We have a phenomenally talented and engaged group of faculty, staff and students who will continue to contribute to the ever-growing impact of the Pott College and the University of Southern Indiana on our region and beyond."

Mitchell earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the United States Air Force Academy, a master's and doctorate in civil engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

He is a licensed professional engineer, a certified project management professional, and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accredited professional. Mitchell's research interests include sustainable design and construction, the economics of heavy equipment ownership, historical preservation through the 3D imaging of at-risk sites, and the pedagogy of undergraduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

In addition to his many activities on campus, Mitchell serves on the boards of the Indiana Chapter of the United States Green Building Council, the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville, and the Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana. He also serves on advisory boards for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation's Project Lead the Way program and Ivy Tech Community College's construction programs. Mitchell and his family reside in Evansville and he has two children currently attending the University of Southern Indiana.

The Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education is one of four colleges at the University of Southern Indiana in Evansville. It offers more than 30 undergraduate and graduate level majors and emphases and a similar number of minors.