Dr. Dan Deckler Named Interim Dean of UA Wayne College

The University of Akron Wayne College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Dan Deckler, Ph.D., P.E., to the position of interim dean of Wayne College.

Deckler, a professor of engineering, currently serves as Wayne College's interim associate dean. He replaces Neil Sapienza, who is returning to the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences as associate dean and interim director of the School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration.

Deckler earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio Northern University in 1985, an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Akron in 1990 and a Ph.D. in Engineering from The University of Akron in 2002. In 1999 he earned his Ohio professional engineer’s (PE) license.

Before joining The University of Akron Wayne College, Deckler worked at Rockwell International, The Timken Company, and Loral Defense systems. While in industry he worked on the space shuttle and space station programs, the parametric bearing design software project, and the antisubmarine warfare and F-15 flight simulator programs.

Deckler joined The University of Akron Wayne College in 1991, teaching the first two years of mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering. In addition, he was the advisor and area coordinator for engineering. He has chaired the Wayne College budget and faculty committees and the University Wide Appeals committee. He has also served as Wayne College's representative to the Faculty Senate and as a member of the Provost’s Faculty Advisory Council.

In 2007, after a national search, Deckler was selected to be one of two American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Congressional Fellows. As a Congressional Fellow during his 2007-2008 professional development leave, Deckler served as an advisor on the House of Representatives Science and Technology Committee. During this time he advised members of Congress on bills and issues, wrote legislation and speeches, and organized Congressional hearings on Capitol Hill. He now serves on ASME’s national board on government relations.