Harding University has appointed Dr. Zane Gastineau dean of the College of Sciences effective May 13, 2019.

Gastineau, professor and chair of the engineering and physics department, has been with the University since 2002. As founding chair of the department, he has recruited and hired an outstanding faculty and successfully navigated the accreditation process multiple times to create new programs in computer, electrical, mechanical, biomedical and, most recently, civil engineering. Under Gastineau’s leadership, engineering and physics has grown to 230 majors as of the fall of 2018.

“Dr. Gastineau is a strong leader with outstanding academic credentials, leadership experience and vision as well as a high level of respect among his peers,” said Dr. Marty Spears, University provost. “I am confident that he will be a thoughtful advocate for the College of Sciences.”

Gastineau received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Kentucky; master’s in electrical systems engineering from Wright State University; and doctorate in mechanical engineering from Southern Methodist University. Before coming to Harding, he served in the United States Air Force at the Air Force Research Laboratory.

“I am very excited about this opportunity to serve the University as dean for the College of Sciences,” said Gastineau. “I plan on working with the faculty and staff of the college to maintain the quality and excellence established under the leadership of Dr. Travis Thompson.”

Thompson will return to full-time teaching in the mathematics department in the fall of 2019. He was dean of the College of Sciences for 17 years and has been with the University for 34 years.