Dean, College of Engineering

NORM ASBJORNSON COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING ()
The Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering (NACOE) at Montana State University is home to more than 3,350 students and a vibrant community of faculty and staff dedicated to advancing engineering education, research, and innovation. The college offers a broad range of accredited undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for successful, high-impact careers in fields that drive the nation's economy, including mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical, industrial, computer, environmental and biological engineering, as well as computer science and construction management, with NACOE conferring 697 degrees in 2024-25.

Montana State University's Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC programs are also housed in the college, supporting students in earning an academic degree as they prepare to serve in the US military.

NACOE graduates are highly sought after by employers across the state, region, and nation. Nearly all graduates secure employment or pursue advanced degrees within months of graduation, reflecting the college's strong reputation and close partnerships with industry leaders, government agencies and national laboratories. The college's advisory boards, internship programs, and world renown research centers ensure that its academic programs remain closely aligned with the needs of today's engineering and technology workforce.

The college is housed in some of the most advanced engineering and research facilities in the Rocky Mountain region. The recently completed Norm Asbjornson Hall integrates classrooms, design studios, research laboratories and collaborative learning spaces that promote teamwork, creativity, and the practical application of engineering principles. Additional facilities such as Barnard Hall, the Advanced Manufacturing Lab and numerous Core facilities provide students and faculty with access to cutting-edge tools and instrumentation.

In 2026, Gianforte Hall is scheduled to open and will feature two large classrooms and laboratories dedicated to robotics, cybersecurity, augmented and virtual reality, data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. A video production studio will be available, as will an audio recording facility. Some of the spaces will be designed to highlight the contributions of computing pioneers Grace Hopper and Alan Turing.
Research within the college addresses critical challenges in cybersecurity, energy, water, infrastructure, materials, data science, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable systems. Faculty are recognized nationally and internationally for their research productivity and success in securing competitive funding from federal agencies, foundations, and private industry. In fiscal year 2023, the college's research expenditures exceeded $24 million demonstrating its significant role in Montana State University's status as a Carnegie-designated institution of "Very High Research Activity."

MSU has leveraged federal and state funding to lead in smart photonic sensor systems, quantum, and optics technologies. MSU is a key partner in the Headwaters Tech Hub (a regional technology & innovation hub), which received a $41 million grant to accelerate photonic sensing and related technologies. MSU engineering faculty have helped spin off dozens of optics-related companies (many founded by MSU alumni) and licensed MSU-developed inventions in optics and photonics to Montana companies.

Several research centers are within the college including Mil Tech, the Center for Biofilm Engineering and the Western Transportation Institute.
Across every discipline in the college, students achieve at high levels. Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering undergraduate students have been regularly recognized with national awards ((Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).), including the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship for excellence in math and science, the Udall Scholarship for students intending to pursue careers related to the environment, the Truman Scholarship for leadership and public service, the Boren Scholarship for international study and the Rhodes Scholarship.

Awards such as these testify to the high quality of the College and to its genuine concern for students.

Duties and Responsibilities

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP PRIORITIES
The Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering seeks a strong and visionary leader who will collaborate with faculty, students, staff, and senior university leadership in addressing the opportunities and challenges facing the college and will lead the college toward the following strategic priorities:

Providing effective management, administration, and leadership for the college

The dean will make timely decisions, respond directly to issues of importance, and will ensure the smooth operation of the college, the departments, and affiliated offices. The dean will effectively contribute to and enhance the tripartite land-grant mission of Montana State University.

Foster a culture of…