College of Engineering | August 12, 2022

A MESSAGE FROM KENITH MEISSNER

After a long transition from the UK to El Paso, I am wrapping up my first full week in post. It has been hectic and exhilarating, but life is finally beginning to slow a bit. Denise, Adam and I have been overwhelmed by the warm and supportive welcome as we begin to settle into UTEP and El Paso. We look forward to meeting more of you over the coming weeks as we get out and about more.

I am deeply honored to serve as the Dean of the College of Engineering at this remarkable University. The first year in any new position is all about listening and learning. While the University of Texas at El Paso is a new setting for me, the academic challenges and the College’s strategic priorities are familiar territory. I am excited to join you in using proven strategies and developing new methods to deliver an excellent experience to students from underserved backgrounds, mold leaders, develop innovators and push the boundaries of knowledge, making a critical impact on the future of the Paso del Norte region and beyond.

Under my leadership, we will have a collaborative, people-centric approach that builds on the College’s numerous strengths. I look forward to continuing the College’s proud tradition of providing an exceptional education that emphasizes research, workforce development, leadership, and entrepreneurship and innovation skills for our UTEP engineers and computer scientists.

Please join me in expressing profound appreciation to Dr. Patricia Nava who played a pivotal role in leading our College as interim dean since March 2020. Dr. Nava demonstrated exceptional leadership during unprecedented times, helping to provide resources to faculty and students in a time of great distress. Dr. Nava, thank you for your vision, leadership and guidance.

I am committed to working with students, faculty and staff through effective communication, transparency, and integrity as we map a bright future, envision global solutions and ensure the ongoing success of the College of Engineering. I very much look forward to meeting with you and learning about your experiences in the coming months.

Go Miners!

Sincerely,
Ken