Indiana Tech has named Dr. Xiaoli (Lucy) Yang as its new dean of the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences. Dr. Yang will begin her service at the university on Sept. 1, 2024.
Dr. Yang comes to Indiana Tech from Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, where she serves as professor and chair of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering. During her tenure as chair at Fairfield, she led the development of new academic programs and established the university’s new AI lab, serving faculty, students and community partners. Dr. Yang developed the first computer science study abroad program in partnership with the University of Galway, Scotland, secured ABET accreditation for the computer science program, enhanced both the undergraduate and graduate curricula, and worked to develop new corporate and community partnerships. Collaborating with community partners and faculty both within and outside the university, she secured grant funding and led various project funded by the National Science Foundation, NASA, state funding agencies and private foundations.
Prior to her work at Fairfield, Dr. Yang spent seven years at Purdue University Northwest, serving as professor and director of graduate programs in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering from 2015 to 2022. Dr. Yang’s prior experience also includes roles as assistant professor (2005 to 2009) and associate professor (2009 to 2015) in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Purdue University Calumet; assistant professor in the Department of Software Engineering at Lakehead University in Canada (2003 to 2005); and postdoctoral fellow in the School of Information Technology and Engineering University in Canada (2002 to 2005).
Dr. Yang earned her B.S. in Electronic and Information Engineering and her M.S. in Mechanical and Mining Engineering from Taiyuan University of Technology in China; her M.A.Sc. in Systems and Computer Engineering from Carleton University in Canada; and her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from China University of Mining and Technology. Dr. Yang’s research expertise includes virtual/augmented reality, visualization, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity education, and software engineering. She is professional member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).
Indiana Tech President Dr. Karl Einolf commented, “All of us at Indiana Tech are excited to welcome Dr. Yang to our university. Her experience, leadership abilities and commitment to student success stood out amongst the many excellent candidates who were part of our search process. Here at Indiana Tech, Dr. Yang will lead an outstanding faculty and staff team in our Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences as we develop innovative new programs that will serve our students, partners and community well into the future. Her experience in developing and leading partnerships will also make her a highly effective leader for our Northeast Indiana Center for Engineering, helping us further leverage Indiana Tech’s expertise, equipment and laboratories to benefit regional engineering firms, advanced manufacturing operations, entrepreneurs and others. This will benefit not just Indiana Tech, but all of Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana. I’m confident that Dr. Yang will help our university continue building on the tradition of excellence we’ve established in the Talwar College.”
Dr. Yang commented, “The forward-thinking vision, strategic direction, innovative academic programs, and exceptional individuals at Indiana Tech left an unforgettable impression on me. With numerous exciting initiatives underway in The Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, I am genuinely honored to become part of the Indiana Tech community at this exciting time. I look forward to working with the faculty, students, and staff in the near future.” Dr. Yang’s appointment as dean of the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences at Indiana Tech was the culmination of a nationwide search that began in the winter of 2024. The search was led by higher education search firm RH Perry & Associates, working with an internal search committee of Indiana Tech faculty and staff members.
Briar Cliff University’s Board of Trustees announced Dr. Matthew J. Draud as the University’s 13th President. He will relocate to the Siouxland area from Abilene, Texas, where he most recently served as the Vice President of Academic Affairs at McMurry University. He will begin his presidential responsibilities on July 1, 2024.
Briar Cliff University launched a nationwide presidential search in January 2024. Four finalists, including Draud, were invited to campus to interview with the Presidential Search Committee, which consisted of Briar Cliff faculty, staff, students, and board members.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Matthew Draud as the 13th president of Briar Cliff University,” said Board Chair Steve Stouffer. “His extensive experience in academic leadership and his commitment to innovation make him the ideal choice to guide Briar Cliff into a promising future. We look forward to welcoming him to the Briar Cliff and Siouxland community.”
A distinguished academic leader with over 20 years of administrative experience in higher education, Draud began his career as a full-time faculty member at Long Island University in 1997, achieving tenure and promotion to Associate Professor in 2003 and becoming Chair of the biology department, a position he held for 10 years. Promoted to Professor in 2009, Draud has published extensively in animal behavior and ecology. In 2013, he became a tenured Professor and Department Head at Armstrong State University, supervising a large faculty and student body. He later served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Siena Heights University and, in 2020, became Vice President for Academic Affairs at McMurry University. He has overseen significant growth and innovation, established new academic programs, and played a key role in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. He has also been instrumental in securing substantial gifts to support student success.
Draud received a Doctor of Philosophy from Lehigh University, a Master of Science from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and a Bachelor of Arts from Thomas More University, all within the Department of Biology. He has been involved in leadership development with the Future Presidents Intensive Educational Advisory Board, engaged in service, and has been published in several articles and a book.
“I am deeply honored to become the 13th president of Briar Cliff University,” said Draud. “I am inspired by the faculty, staff, and leadership team’s dedication to Briar Cliff’s mission and their passion for serving our students. I look forward to collaborating with this exceptional community to innovate and create a strong and resilient university as we approach our centennial celebration in 2030.”
Interim President Steven Freeman, a 1969 Briar Cliff alumnus, Board Chair Emeritus, and retired business professional, will remain at Briar Cliff University and continue to serve as a presidential advisor to Draud to ensure a smooth and supportive transition.
