By BRIAN TYNES

Staff Writer

Two professors are taking their philosophies out of the classroom and into the dean's office.

Dr. Stan Napper, a professor of biomedical engineering, was named dean of the College of Engineering and Science, and Dr. James Liberatos, an associate professor of biological sciences, was named dean of the College of Applied and Natural Sciences. Both became deans July 1.

Napper, a former head of biomedical engineering, interim dean, executive associate dean and director of the Center for Biomedical Engineering, said he loves Tech because of its history.

"I have a strong passion for Louisiana Tech and its students," Napper said. "Because I've invested my entire professional life at Tech, I recognize and appreciate the tradition and focus on students that have characterized Tech for many years."

Napper said his chief focus is for the college to be the best at Building Engineers and Scientists for Tomorrow (BEST).

"This passion motivates me to want to build on that tradition and help focus our activities on our primary purpose, which is BEST," Napper said.

He said his dream for the college is to be the top engineering college on the globe.

Napper said in his tenure he has been involved with two activities that helped develop the college.

The first was developing and implementing the college's integrated engineering curriculum, which encompassed a variety of skills such as problem solving, computer skills, design skills and teamwork.

The second was a multi-year National Science Foundation grant worth about $450,000 that developed activities to encourage middle school students with disabilities to consider careers in engineering and science.

Napper said communication is important between the faculty and administration as well as between faculty and students.

Liberatos has taught at Tech since 1989 and has served as an interim dean, associate dean, director of research and graduate studies in College of Applied and Natural Sciences. Liberatos said he appreciates the objectives of the college, which he said is an eclectic mix of academic programs.

"I understand the mission, vision and goals of each of our very diverse academic units in this college," Liberatos said.

He said the office of dean is not about setting a goal and telling the faculty what it is and how to accomplish it.

"I don't see being the new dean as coming in and making changes," Liberatos said. "We have outstanding faculty, staff and students that have plans for their units and for the college. The dean's role is to help them make their goals become reality."

Liberatos said he does not see his job as being difficult because of the qualified people he will be surrounded by.

"The dedication of our faculty, staff and students makes this job easy and enjoyable," Liberatos said. "When you have faculty and staff that love what they're doing, are committed to what they're doing, and you have really good students who want to learn, it's a really good job to be in."

He said the faculty goes out of their way to assist students.

"The administration of our units are just as committed to helping students reach their goals, which is what we're here for," Liberatos said.

In science, Liberatos said, technology is always changing the way the world operates.

Dr. Kenneth Rea, vice president of academic affairs and a professor of history, said both Napper and Liberatos beat out applicants from all over the nation to become deans.

"Anyone coming from the inside is certainly more familiar with the university and college than someone from the outside," Rea said.

He said both new deans have shown their commitment and talent to manage groups.

"They have demonstrated the ability to work with people in very diverse circumstances," Rea said. "They want to move forward and they have a vision for their individual colleges as well as to improve the university."