Dear Colleagues,
Since joining the University of Miami in August 2015 as dean of the College of Engineering, Jean-Pierre Bardet has led several exemplary initiatives to advance innovation across the college’s departments. He has also initiated and led a number of interdisciplinary projects and key industry collaborations. Effective June 17, Jean-Pierre will move into a role as University vice provost of strategic projects, where he will continue to lead the kinds of initiatives that have been established under his leadership across the entire University.
As dean, Jean-Pierre aptly established new partnerships with leaders in a multitude of engineering disciplines. Notable partnerships include the recent collaboration with Magic Leap, as well as initiatives such as the Johnson & Johnson 3D Printing Center of Excellence Collaborative Laboratory, and research with Florida Power and Light. In his new role as vice provost, Jean-Pierre will continue to shape these partnerships, while nurturing others as they emerge.
During Jean-Pierre’s tenure, the college also saw its highest research expenditures during the 2018-19 academic year, which doubled since 2015. The College of Engineering’s U.S. News & World Report ranking gained 27 points. The college also now has the highest number of tenured and tenure-track faculty in its history.
A distinguished civil engineering professor, Jean-Pierre served as chair of the Sonny Astani Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Southern California and as dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington prior to joining the U. Throughout his career, he has navigated academic and research partnerships with a steadfast focus on creating transformative experiences beyond the classroom.
A national search for a new dean for the College of Engineering will begin immediately. Daniel Berg, Ph.D., distinguished research professor at the College of Engineering, will serve as interim dean, effective June 17. Daniel is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and was a technical director at Westinghouse before embarking on his academic career. Before joining the University of Miami, he served as dean and then provost at Carnegie Mellon University, and then as president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Please join me in celebrating Jean-Pierre’s successes, his dedication to our students, and his service to the College of Engineering, as he moves into his new role.
Warm regards, | 
