Interim Dean of the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering

Joseph Glover, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Various Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering stakeholder groups have not reached consensus about an appropriate outcome for this year’s dean search.  That fact, coupled with the anticipated arrival of a new president early next year, has led to the decision to pause the dean search this year.  In the new year, following consultation with incoming President Dr. Ben Sasse, we will likely reinitialize the search in late spring or early summer.

Until a new dean is chosen, I have asked Dr. Forrest Masters to serve as the interim dean of the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering effective January 1, 2023.  Dr. Masters currently serves as the assistant vice president for strategic initiatives at UF Research.  Prior to that, he served as the associate dean for research and facilities within the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering for nearly seven years. Dr. Masters is a professor in the Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment. 

Vice President for Research Dr. David Norton and I are appreciative of Dr. Masters’ willingness to step away from his UF Research responsibilities to serve as interim dean at this critical moment.  Dr. Norton observed, “Dr. Masters brings a positive energy, focused intellect and unyielding commitment to every endeavor.  UF is indeed fortunate that he is willing to step into this important leadership role.”

Please join me in thanking Dr. Forrest Masters for taking on this critical position for the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.