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Engineering Dean James Aylor to step down in 2015

Administrator joins four University deans who are stepping down

Engineering School Dean James Aylor will step down and return to a faculty position when his term ends in 2015, the University announced Tuesday.

Aylor is serving his second term as dean of the school, having stepped into the role permanently in 2005 after one year as interim dean.

He joined the faculty in 1978 and holds three University degrees — a bachelor’s, a master’s and a doctoral degree from the electrical and computer engineering department.

Aylor oversaw the addition of 24 new faculty since 2012, according to a University press release. His term was also marked by the implementation of a strategic planning initiative as well as increased enrollment — the undergraduate population grew by one-third from 2005 to 2013.

“Jim Aylor’s dedication to the Engineering School has been remarkable,” University President Teresa Sullivan said in a press release. “He has been a powerful advocate for science and technology because he understands that excellence in these areas is critical to the University’s future.”

Computer Science Prof. Emerita Anita Jones will chair the search committee for a new dean.

“The positive results of Jim Aylor’s tenure are visible across the Engineering School, from the remarkable success its graduates have in securing good jobs to modern facilities such as Rice Hall and more,” Provost John Simon said in a press release. “The foundation set for his successor is strong.”

Aylor is one of several deans to recently announce his intent to step down. In October, College Dean Meredith Woo, Batten School Dean Harry Harding and Architecture Dean Kim Tanzer said they would step down when their terms end this summer. Woo’s and Harding’s replacements have both been announced already. They will be Ian Baucom and Allan Stam, respectively.

Darden Dean Robert Bruner also announced in April his intent to step down when his term ends in 2015.

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