KU Engineering selects associate dean for academic affairs

LAWRENCE — Susan Williams, professor of chemical & petroleum engineering, has been named as the associate dean for academic affairs (ADAA) for the University of Kansas School of Engineering. The ADAA leads the school’s academic affairs at the undergraduate and graduate levels and plays a critical role in promoting and maintaining the academic excellence of the school.

“Professor Williams brings a remarkable record of teaching, research and service to this new position, and I am confident she will adeptly oversee the critical responsibilities of the ADAA,” said Dean of Engineering Arvin Agah. “I look forward to working with her to continue to elevate the stature of KU Engineering at the national level.”

Williams has been at KU since 1999. Her research centers on converting biomass to fuels and higher value products. She has served as the director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering and is the KU faculty athletics representative. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and her doctorate from the University of Oklahoma, both in chemical engineering.