UPDATED: December, 13, 2018 at 3:20 p.m.

Can Isik, a professor of electrical engineering and computer science at Syracuse University, will serve as interim dean of SU’s College of Engineering and Computer Science after Dean Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg announced she is stepping down, according to an SU News release.

Isik’s new position will start Jan. 1, 2019, per the release. He previously served as senior associate dean in the college from 2004 to 2017. Dahlberg, who has been dean since 2015, is leaving SU to accept a position at Texas Christian University as vice chancellor and provost.

Isik oversaw the college’s budget and planning, curriculum development, student advising and recruitment and accreditation as associate dean. He currently directs the college’s Leadership Scholars Program.

He said in an email that an interm administrator’s job is to ensure there is a “continuity of leadership.”

“When I was asked it didn’t take me long to accept the responsibility of providing that continuity to Engineering and Computer Science,” Isik said. “I have strong collegial bonds with practically all faculty and staff. With their help and cooperation, I’m certain we will do great.”  

SU Vice Chancellor and Provost Michele Wheatly announced Isik’s appointment, citing his recent leadership in coordinating the college’s assessment and accreditation process, per the release.

Prior to being associate dean, Isik served as associate chair in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, per the release. He has taught at SU since 1985.

Isik said he expects his position as dean to be a “short gig.”

“I’m a faculty member at heart,” he said. “I have been able to keep my teaching and research somewhat active during my previous administrative engagements. That’s hard to do at the dean’s level.”

He said his calendar has started filling up with meetings before January, but what’s most important to him is that he finishes grading for the two classes he’s teaching.

In the next few weeks, SU will form a search committee to select a new dean for the college, according to the release.

This post has been updated with additional reporting.

Published on December 12, 2018 at 6:48 pm

Contact Casey: casey@dailyorange.com | @caseydarnell_