Dr. Ralph E. Flori, associate professor of interdisciplinary engineering, has been named interim chair of that department, effective July 12. Flori succeeds Dr. Ron Fannin, who has retired.
A member of the UMR faculty since 1990, Flori most recently served as associate dean of engineering for pre-college and undergraduate programs. He directed the Jackling Introduction to Engineering program for 11 years and now directs UMR’s Project Lead The Way efforts fostering the growth of middle and high school pre-engineering programs in Missouri. Flori has won more than 20 different awards for teaching, including the National Outstanding Teaching Award in 2005 from the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE). He also serves on the ASEE board of directors.
Flori will serve as interim until a permanent department chair is named.
