I am here as the new Dean of the College of Engineering (as of September 1, 2007) because I share the vision that President Donna Shalala and Provost Thomas LeBlanc have for the University of Miami to enhance its national reputation as an AAU qualified institution of higher learning.

I welcome this challenge with great enthusiasm, and I look forward to working with the College's quality undergraduate students, creative graduate students, renowned faculty, dedicated staff and supportive alumni and friends. Together, I am confident that we will be able to achieve a greater global recognition for both the College itself and the university. We will continue to attract the best and the brightest students, which in turn will facilitate our recruitment of the most renowned scholars to join our world class faculty. We will excel in the integration of research and education, thus demonstrating that critical thinking is essential to the process of learning. We will educate for career success by providing our graduates with both knowledge in the fundamentals and life-long learning skills so that they may continuously replenish their knowledge base. We will strengthen our collaboration with the other University of Miami schools and colleges, all to take advantage of the breadth and strength represented across the university. Additionally, we will continuously share our goals and ambitions with our alumni and friends; with their thoughtful guidance and generous support, we will make our aspirations a reality.

Finally, I invite you to join me in an exciting journey of learning, critical thinking, personal growth and institution building. I look forward to personally welcoming every one of you who decides to join the College of Engineering on this journey.

James M. Tien, Ph.D., NAE
Distinguished Professor and Dean