Overton named dean of Allen School of Engineering and Technology

ANGOLA, Ind. (06/17/2019) — Trine University has named Ryan Overton, Ph.D., PE, dean of the Allen School of Engineering and Technology, effective Aug. 5.

Overton had served as an associate professor and chair of the Reiners Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Trine since 2017.

"I am humbled and blessed beyond measure to be awarded this opportunity," said Overton. "The number one goal of any successful institution must be to provide a quality product at an affordable price, and I am excited to work with the tremendous leaders in the Allen School of Engineering and Technology to improve our product. I also look forward to collaborating and building relationships outside the school in pursuit of excellence as a university."

Overton said that, as dean, he hopes to build "a dynamic culture of service" within the school.

"I want to build a culture that strengthens the relationship between the student and the entire university," he said. "A culture of service is instrumental in producing an educational experience that allows students to attain their dreams."

"Dr. Overton brings enthusiasm, passion for the teaching-learning process, and a collaborative leadership style to the dean position," said John Shannon, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs. "He will make a great addition to our academic leadership at Trine University, and we are excited to welcome him to this role."

Overton joined Trine as an assistant professor in 2012. He has earned several honors during his tenure at the university, including an Excellence in Civil Engineering Education grant, the Charles and Sue Ragan Gelet Excellence in Teaching Award in Engineering, and the Christian Campus House Outstanding Faculty Award. He has held Trine's Laurence L. Dresser Chair of Engineering since 2017.

He is an associate member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a professional member of the Institute of Transportation Engineers, a member of the American Society for Engineering Education and a member and Indiana Epsilon Chief Academic Advisor for the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and a Master of Science and Ph.D in civil engineering with a focus in transportation engineering from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

Overton will replace A. Allen Hersel, Ph.D., who has decided to return to a full-time faculty role in Trine's John J. McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering.

"Dr. Hersel has been an academic leader on our campus for years. Throughout that time, he has always been striving to do the right thing for Trine University and our students," said Shannon. "We wish him the very best as he returns to his roots and his passion as a faculty member."

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