Englund Named Dean of CWU’s College of the Sciences

After a nationwide search, Tim Englund, professor of mathematics, was named dean of Central Washington University’s College of the Sciences (COTS). Englund has been the interim dean since former dean, Kirk Johnson, a professor of sociology, retired earlier this year.

“I’m looking forward to serving the university in the role of dean,” said Englund. “My goal is to advance CWU’s STEM initiatives and make the College of the Sciences a first choice for prospective students. ”

“It’s always gratifying to know that after a very competitive search process, that the best candidate is right on our campus,” said President James Gaudino. “He has the longtime experience and knowledge of COTS, as well as the leadership skills to take teaching and research to the next level.”

Englund served as an associate dean in the college and has been successful in several COTS initiatives. Prior to joining the dean's office, he served one term as chair of the Mathematics Department and as the faculty coordinator for the Ronald E. McNair Scholarship program at CWU.

Englund received his bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University, in Allendale, Michigan, and earned his doctorate from Michigan State University. He has been a member of the CWU mathematics faculty since 1998. His current primary research interests include interdisciplinary collaborations with colleagues in Nutrition and Health Sciences examining elementary school lunches. Previously, his research focused on the representation theory of Chevalley groups.

An avid runner and hiker, Englund and his dogs can frequently be found in the hills around central Washington.

The College of the Sciences is comprised of thirteen academic departments and eleven interdisciplinary programs in the natural, behavioral, social, and computational sciences. The college is also home to a number of affiliated programs focused on education, student learning, and research projects. In 2016, the $63 million Science II building will open, with advanced laboratories for research in physics and geological sciences. The college currently consists of 170 full- and 62 part-time faculty and 40 staff located on the main campus in Ellensburg and at the Des Moines, Lynnwood, Moses Lake, Pierce, Wenatchee, and Yakima University Centers.

Media Contact: Valerie Chapman-Stockwell, Public Affairs, 509-963-1518, valeriec@cwu.edu
December 9, 2015