The Oregon Institute of Technology (“Oregon Tech”) announced today the appointment of Dr. Thomas Keyser as its Dean of the College of Engineering, Technology and Management. Keyser will join Oregon Tech on August 1, from his current position as Chair and Professor of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management in the College of Engineering, at Western New England University (WNEU) in Springfield, Massachusetts. Oregon Tech’s Dean role was most recently served in an interim capacity by Provost Gary Kuleck, and previously by Hallie Neupert, professor and chairperson of management at Oregon Tech.
Dr. Kuleck said, “This is an exciting time at Oregon Tech to welcome Dr. Keyser as our dean of the ETM College. With our in-demand program mix, the development of our new engineering complex, and more collaborations with industry, we see only growth and innovation across our ETM programs. Dr. Keyser’s background of increasing enrollment and nurturing faculty development and new programs is a great match for Oregon Tech.
“I also wish to thank the Dean’s Search Committee, led by Dr. Roger Lindgren,” added Kuleck. “Their hard work and diligence throughout this search has brought us a skilled and creative academic leader in Dr. Keyser.”
Thomas Keyser has served at WNEU since 2001 in a variety of roles, including his current chair and professorial role noted above; director of the Engineering Management Graduate Program; and associate professor in Industrial Engineering prior to his full professorship. His research interest areas there have focused on discrete event system simulation; software integration, optimization and sequencing; and computer-aided process planning. In his roles at WNEU, he increased undergraduate and graduate enrollment; developed and implemented an optional online Engineering Management Program, a Six-Sigma Green Belt Certificate, a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering Program, and a PhD Program in Engineering Management. Dr. Keyser is also known for several grant awards, leading ABET accreditation evaluations, and working with alumni to increase departmental resources.
“I’m very excited about joining Oregon Tech and becoming a part of its many communities of collaboration,” said Thomas Keyser. “Oregon Tech’s strengths and assets have created a real environment of program growth and development. Its return on investment by its graduates illustrate the continued value of its polytechnic, hands-on teaching approach. This, plus its growing industry engagement and the high quality faculty and staff, are raising Oregon Tech’s profile. I look forward to helping to build the College of ETM, and being a part of this welcoming and collaborative faculty.”
Prior to joining WNEU, Dr. Keyser was Assistant Professor of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering from 1998-2001 at Ohio University; Assistant Professor of Engineering at the University of Southern Colorado from 1995-1998; and Assistant Professor, Research Associate, and Instructor at Clemson University from 1992-1995. He has also worked as an industrial engineering for McDonnell Douglas Space Systems; and has done other consulting with industry including General Electric, Parker Hannifin, United Technologies, and the US Department of Agriculture.
Dr. Nagi Naganathan, Oregon Tech president said, “Dr. Keyser will be a great addition to our faculty and our administrative team. He is a leader who can help elevate the prominence of our College of Engineering, Technology, and Management to the next level of excellence. His commitment to engage actively with industry will help us develop the potential of our partnerships through the Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center and other industry connections.”
Keyser’s academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Clemson University; an MS in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Colorado State University; and a BS in Mechanical Engineering Technology from New Mexico State University.
