College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management Dean Announcement
April 26, 2024
Dr. Leslie Cornick, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
I’m thrilled to announce Dr. David Alexander as the new Dean of the College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Construction Management (ECC). He will transition into his new role on July 1.
A proud alumnus and transfer student who navigated many of the same challenges as the students we currently serve, David holds a PhD and an MS in mechanical engineering from the University of Idaho, and a BS in physical science from Chico State. He has been a member of our campus community since 2014, beginning his career here as an assistant professor and working his way up to vice chair of the Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing Department, associate professor, and interim associate dean and associate dean of ECC. Before his career in academia, David was the CEO and founder of IVUS Energy Innovations, a company dedicated to the introduction and commercialization of professional rechargeable flashlights. He was also president and principal mechanical engineer for Caelex Inc. for five years. His background in the technology industry, combined with his teaching and research experience, will be invaluable, as well as his experience securing project funding and understanding of enrollment marketing, philanthropy, and public-private partnerships.
Greg Watkins, who has served as interim dean since July 2023, joins me in celebrating David’s selection as the permanent dean. He shared, “David and I have worked together for more than a dozen years as we both served in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing and then in the ECC Dean’s office. David brings superior experience, professionalism, and vision to the dean position and I’m confident in his ability to lead the college going forward.”
David’s personal journey and experience at Chico State have been driving motivators for his career trajectory to date and he is excited to lead the college’s next chapter. His vision is to make ECC recognized throughout the state and beyond as a destination college where students are immersed in hands-on, project-based learning in STEM and employers come to hire experienced, well-rounded professionals. Among his many goals, he plans to collaborate across campus and with ECC’s MESA Engineering Program and the ECC Student Success Center to increase recruitment, retention, and graduation rates, especially for women and historically underserved groups. He also plans to focus attention on eliminating persistent equity gaps.
“I look forward to supporting our world-class faculty in their teaching and research by expanding industry collaborations and securing new laboratory and teaching spaces. We have fantastic faculty, staff, and students,” David said. “While we have a lot of work ahead of us, I’m hopeful and encouraged. I strongly believe in the mission of the CSU, and I am humbled to be able to contribute to the incredible work taking place every day on the Chico State campus, which has a direct and profound impact on the students and communities it serves.”
I also want to thank Greg for his service as interim dean. I know he is looking forward to his own new adventures, and we are deeply grateful for the continuity and steadfast leadership he has provided the college over the last several months.
Please join me in congratulating David – I look forward to his leadership and contributions as the next Dean of ECC!