Inaugural Dean

We are pleased to announce that Elon University has selected Dr. John Walz as the inaugural dean of Elon’s new School of Engineering and Computing. He will assume his new role on June 30, 2026

A former president of the Milwaukee School of Engineering and longtime leader in engineering and technology education, Dr. Walz will join the Elon University administration after nearly a decade helming a private university recognized for its emphasis on experiential learning, strong industry partnerships, and workforce preparation. Walz’s appointment comes as Elon debuts an academic division that will leverage the university’s nationally ranked approach to undergraduate teaching and its emphasis on engaged, experiential learning in pursuit of human transformation.

Walz will provide leadership for the School of Engineering and Computing’s academic programs, strategic planning, fundraising and external partnerships while helping advance the university’s goals for innovation, engaged learning and student success. When the school formally opens for the 2026 Fall Semester, anchoring the university’s Innovation Quad in the heart of campus, it will include 20 full-time faculty and three full-time staff positions with more than 300 undergraduate students.

Under his leadership, Milwaukee School of Engineering achieved record undergraduate enrollment, increased student diversity, expanded industry partnerships and raised more than $150 million in philanthropic support for capital projects and academic initiatives.

Before becoming president, Walz served as dean of the University of Kentucky’s College of Engineering, where he led efforts to establish a common first-year engineering program, expanded student success resources and strengthened relationships with industry partners. Earlier leadership roles at Virginia Tech and Yale University included overseeing faculty recruitment, program growth and research initiatives while maintaining active teaching and scholarship responsibilities.

Throughout his career, Walz has emphasized strategic planning, student retention, faculty support and partnerships with industry and community organizations. He has also championed initiatives that broaden participation in engineering and technology fields and expand pathways for students to connect classroom learning with professional experiences.

Walz earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in chemical engineering at Tulane University before completing a Doctor of Philosophy in chemical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.

Greg Esposito and Micah Pierce led this search with David Grimes and Marlyn Desire

You can view the full press release here.