Engineering Dean Kuo to Leave UT Knoxville for City U. of Hong Kong
Dr. Way Kuo
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Dean Way Kuo of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville College of Engineering (COE) has officially accepted an offer to become the next president of the City University of Hong Kong.
"In my five years as dean of the College of Engineering, we have made great strides in research and teaching," said Kuo, who came to UT in 2003. "The only thing that could make me leave is an opportunity like this one, taking on the role of president in such a major international university.
Since his appointment as COE dean, the college has seen significant growth. Most recently, ground was broken on the new Min Kao Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Building, a $37.5 million, state of the art facility now under construction on The Hill.
Research expenditures in the college have been on the rise. Gifts, grants and contract to the COE totaled $32 million in fiscal year 2006, almost doubled since 2002.
"Having scientists and leaders of Way Kuo's international calber means that, on occasion, institutions of a high caliber will come calling as they look for leaders," said UT Knoxville Interim Chancellor Jan Simek. "While we hate to see him leave, we wish Dr. Kuo and his family all the best as he moves on to this new leadership role."
Kuo was also recently elected to membership in the Chinese Academy of Engineering. He will remain at UT until May 9, 2008. UT Provost Bob Holub will begin the search for his replacement immediately, beginning with the formation of a search committee.
For more information, contact Kim Cowart, Communications Manager, Office of Engineering Communications, at (865) 974-0686/kcowart@utk.edu.