Passionate about the mission of universities in enabling an affordable education at the highest levels of academic rigor simultaneously enabling talent development for success in the workforce, and through life. Privileged to serve on the faculty at the University of Delaware, University of California San Diego, University of Alabama in Huntsville (where I was the Provost & Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs) and am currently on the faculty at the University of Texas at Arlington (where I served as President from 2013-2020).
Focused on higher education issues including enhancing access, inclusivity and comprehensive excellence, eliminating inequities in higher ed, incorporating technology to enhance efficacy and efficiency, digital learning, structured pathways and articulated transfer, education of non-traditional students and working professionals, education in an age of rapid information and technology convergence, global connections, increasing collaborations and partnerships between academia, the corporate and non-profit sectors and government organizations, enhancing innovation and transforming the knowledge enterprise.

An internationally reputed researcher in the processing and mechanics of composites, deterioration science of polymers & composites, bio-materials, infrastructure renewal, multi-threat (incl. blast) mitigation, impact/damage/crash energy management, nondestructive assessment, damage prognosis, structural health monitoring.

Author/Co-author of over 200 refereed archival papers in scientific journals, editor/co-editor of 7 books, author and contributor to monographs, over 260 papers in conference proceedings, in addition to other papers, chapters in books, and technical reports.