Campus Life

V. Dean Adams Retires from USU's College of Engineering

Dean Adams, executive associate dean for the College of Engineering, retired after 40 years of service to higher education. Adams and his wife, Joyce, were honored at a retirement reception held in June.

Students, faculty and staff members at Utah State University extend their heartfelt congratulations and farewell to V. Dean Adams who last month officially retired from his role as executive associate dean of the College of Engineering.

Adams joined the college leadership team in 2012. Since that time, he has served as associate dean for undergraduate academic affairs and as head of the Department of Engineering Education. During Adams’ tenure at USU, he has provided valuable service in building the reputation of the college and expanding academic services. Adams was instrumental in developing a more robust undergraduate student advising program and on-campus tutoring center. Colleagues in the Engineering Education Department say Adams served the needs of the department well, especially in mentoring junior faculty.

“Dean Adams is passionate in ensuring engineering students develop the key skills employers seek in new college graduates,” said Melissa Scheaffer, principal lecturer in the EED department. “Given the importance of communication skills in the job market, he was instrumental in adding a required Technical Communication for Engineers course to the curriculum. Together, we created not just a successful course but a technical communications program, which includes a fully-funded Engineering Writing Center that helps engineering students develop their technical communication skills. Employers often comment on our graduates' well-developed communication skills, which is largely due to Dean Adams' vision.”

Other colleagues lauded Adams’ service to students and the university.

“It has been a wonderful experience working with Dean Adams,” said Kristina Glaittli, retention specialist for the College of Engineering. “His focus on the success and welfare of the students is unparalleled. He has worked tirelessly to improve the educational experience for our students. Whether it be working with the math department to standardize courses, improving the quality and efficiency of the advising office, advising students one-on-one, or attending student- sponsored events, his focus has always been on the students.”

Adams departs with 40 years of service to higher education. Before joining USU, he taught at the University of Nevada, Reno and Tennessee Technological University. Throughout his career, Adams specialized in water resources engineering with a focus on water chemistry and treatment. 

Media Contact: Matt Jensen – USU College of Engineering | matthew.jensen@usu.edu | office: +1-435-797-8170 (tel:1-435-797-8170) | cell: +1-801-362-0830 (tel:1-801-362-0830) | @EngineeringUSU | engineering.usu.edu 
 


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