Robert J. Griffin, recent Dean of the School of Engineering, Computing, and Construction Management at Roger Williams University, begins July 1
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UMass Dartmouth Provost Ramprasad Balasubramanian recently announced that Dr. Robert J. Griffin will become the next Dean of the College of Engineering, effective July 1.
Griffin most recently served as Dean of the School of Engineering, Computing, and Construction Management at Roger Williams University, where he has led with strategic vision, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong emphasis on access, inclusion, and belonging. Prior to this, he held multiple key leadership roles at Rice University, an R1 institution. At Rice, he served as Interim Dean and Senior Associate Dean of the George R. Brown School of Engineering and Computing, and Chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Across these roles, Griffin oversaw expansive budgets, led ABET and ACCE accreditation efforts, fostered faculty and student research, and cultivated strong alumni and industry partnerships.
“As a first-generation college graduate, Rob has a deep understanding of the transformative power of higher education and a commitment to ensuring that all students feel a sense of belonging and purpose,” said UMass Dartmouth Provost Ramprasad Balasubramanian. “I am confident that under his leadership, the College of Engineering will continue to advance as a regional and national leader in research, innovation, and inclusive excellence.”
“I am humbled to be joining the UMass Dartmouth College of Engineering and broader campus community. I look forward to enhancing UMass Dartmouth’s dedication to student success and cutting-edge research and to working with the College of Engineering’s outstanding faculty and dedicated staff,” said Griffin.
A distinguished scholar in atmospheric chemistry, Griffin has authored more than 125 peer-reviewed publications and presented his research extensively on the national and international stage. His groundbreaking work on urban air quality and atmospheric aerosols has been funded by the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and NASA, among others. Griffin received his PhD and Master’s degree from the California Institute of Technology and his Bachelors from Tufts University.