Ken Coley to become dean of engineering at Western University

McMaster Engineering associate dean, academic Ken Coley is taking on a new role at Western University as its dean of engineering. It was announced on May 17 that he will assume the new role on July 1, 2019.

“I have been privileged to work with many outstanding people at McMaster Engineering and I am proud of what we have achieved as a team, but I am even more proud to call these people my friends,” Coley said. “I am already feeling the emotional wrench of leaving my home, but I am also excited. I am honoured that Western Engineering has chosen me to be their next dean. This is an exciting opportunity and a challenge which I relish.”

Coley, who is also a professor for the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, began his first term as the faculty’s associate dean, academic on August 1, 2008.

He joined McMaster in 1996 as an associate professor and gained tenure in 1999. He served as chair of the Materials Science and Engineering department from 2005 to 2009, during which time the number of undergraduate students enrolled in the program doubled.

Prior to McMaster, he was the British Steel Lecturer in Process Metallurgy at University of Strathclyde from 1989 to 1996. Prior to that, he was a senior scientific officer at the National Physical Laboratory (U.K.) from 1986 to 1989.

He is an award-winning researcher and most recently the recipient of the prestigious John F. Elliott Lectureship Award from the Association of Iron & Steel Technology.  He holds the ArcelorMittal Dofasco Chair in Ferrous Metallurgy and is the director of the McMaster Steel Research Centre.  Coley holds a bachelor’s degree in metallurgy from University of Strathclyde and a PhD from Imperial College, London.

As associate dean, academic Coley successfully led initiatives which saw the first- to second-year undergraduate student attrition rate drop from 22 per cent to less than 4.5 per cent.  He played a leading role in the design of McMaster’s Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences Program and most recently has been leading the implementation of McMaster Engineering’s ‘The Pivot’ initiative to transform undergraduate education.

“Ken has been fundamental in helping to change the culture and direction of McMaster Engineering,” said Ishwar K. Puri, dean of engineering. “He is a true champion for students and works diligently to ensure that their views and needs are reflected in the programs and services the faculty offers. His innovative spirit and optimism will be missed.  Based on the excellent groundwork that Ken has laid, the faculty is well-positioned with leaders in place who will assume responsibility for The Pivot.”