Can Isik
Vice Chancellor and Provost Michele Wheatly has announced that Can Isik, professor of electrical engineering and computer science, will become interim dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS), effective Jan. 1, 2019. Isik succeeds Teresa Abi-Nader Dahlberg, who earlier this week announced she will assume the role of vice chancellor and provost at Texas Christian University. In the coming weeks, the University will convene a search committee to help identify the college’s next dean.
“We are fortunate to have Can Isik available, able and willing to provide a seamless transition in leadership,” says Wheatly, noting that Isik had served as senior associate dean of ECS for more than a decade (2004-17) and stepped in as acting dean during a four-month period in 2008. “Can is a highly respected leader, teacher and researcher whose organizational skills have been essential to the success of the college.”
Wheatly cited Isik’s leadership in coordinating the recent assessment and accreditation process that resulted in all eight engineering bachelor’s programs in the college being awarded accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The programs are aerospace engineering, bioengineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, environmental engineering and mechanical engineering.
“I appreciate the provost’s confidence in me to lead the college during a time of transition and welcome the opportunity to serve once again,” says Isik. “Dean Dahlberg has done an excellent job establishing clear goals relative to the student experience, diversity and inclusion, research and faculty development. I look forward to continuing this great work and advancing our goals as we begin the search for our next dean.”
Isik has held leadership roles in ECS since 2004, when he became associate dean and was given oversight of curriculum development, student learning outcomes, external review and accreditation, student advising and recruiting, and support of teaching and learning. His responsibilities over the 13 years in that position also included assessment and planning for space and facilities, budget and strategic planning, staff organization, expansion of study abroad programs, and information technology services. He serves as director of the ECS Leadership Scholars Program.
Prior to his 2004 appointment, Isik served as associate chair in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and director of programs in electrical engineering. He has taught at Syracuse University since 1985. His research focuses on applications of controls, neural nets, fuzzy systems and intelligence systems in indoor environmental control, financial systems, medical instrumentation, process control and robotics.
A native of Turkey, Isik earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Middle East Technical University in Ankara and a Ph.D. at the University of Florida.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York state, with a global footprint, and nearly 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors and 100 minors offered through 13 schools and colleges; nearly 15,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, visit syracuse.edu.
