WCU names Randy Collins dean of College of Engineering and Technology
The Western Carolina University Board of Trustees appointed Edward R. (Randy) Collins Jr. as dean of the College of Engineering and Technology as part of its special-called meeting May 3. Collins will start in his new position effective Aug. 1.
“Dr. Collins is a distinguished engineer who has long experience combining student work in the classroom and collaboration with industry,” said Provost Richard D. Starnes. “He is passionate about advancing student success, faculty scholarship and regional economic development. His leadership will be critical as we seek to train the very best engineers to build a brighter future for Western North Carolina and beyond. We are very excited to welcome him to WCU.”
Randy Collins
Collins comes to WCU from Clemson University where he is a currently professor of electrical and computer engineering and the academic/technical adviser for the school’s Dominion Energy Innovation Center. During his tenure at Clemson, Collins served as associate vice president and executive director at Clemson’s Restoration Institute campus in Charleston, South Carolina where he established a new academic leadership structure, opened the Zucker Family Graduate Education Center, increased student recruitment, worked collaboratively with stakeholders to increase faculty/staff recruitment and expanded the campus research staff. He also previously served as associate dean in Clemson’s College of Engineering and Science.
Collins received his doctoral degree from Georgia Institute of Technology in electrical engineering. He received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from NC State University. Collins also is a registered professional engineer and has various Federal Aviation Administration certificates and licenses to teach and fly airplanes.
"I am honored and thrilled to serve as the dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at Western Carolina University. The college has amazing faculty, staff and students, and is changing lives through highly sought-after engineering, technology and construction management programs. I'm intrigued by the opportunities to advance CET and WCU, and by the college's ability to serve as a catalyst in our region and state for economic and community development. The commitment and vision of the WCU leadership and community is inspiring and I look forward to accomplishing great things together.”
Collins is nationally recognized and has successfully had his research published in 25 refereed journal publications and more than 50 conference proceedings. He is the inventor on three US patents.
The College of Engineering and Technology, one of WCU's six academic colleges, houses programs in engineering, technology and construction management. The college provides innovative undergraduate and graduate level academic programs in Construction Management and Engineering and Technology for students in an environment that supports economic development, professional development and involvement with businesses and industries. It fulfills its academic missions through teaching and learning, scholarship and discovery, and service and engagement.
