NEWS

Louisiana Tech University has announced the appointment of Dr. Collin Wick as Dean of the College of Engineering and Science (COES). Wick has been with Louisiana Tech for 16 years, a decade of which he has spent in leadership roles within the COES.

“Under Dr. Wick’s leadership, the College of Engineering and Science is poised to further its rich history of innovation and excellence and dedication to our students,” said Interim Provost Donna Thomas. “He is inheriting a diverse team of talented faculty, staff, and administration that strives endlessly to deliver the world-class education that the College is known for, and I have no doubt that Dr. Wick will serve our campus community with loyalty and pride.”

Wick most recently served as associate dean of research, a position he will continue to hold, and associate dean of graduate studies, where he spearheaded a proposal for a new doctoral degree program expected to increase enrollment following approval from the Louisiana Board of Regents. Before he was appointed associate dean of graduate studies, Wick was the program chair of chemistry, where he more than doubled enrollment.

Along with his leadership experience, Wick brings a history of mentoring, research, and teaching to the role. Under his guidance, the Graduate Student Council was revived to provide graduate students with a platform to voice concerns, plan events, create professional development opportunities, and enhance their academic experiences.

Wick’s teaching and research experience has helped the University engage new generations of scientists and engineers inside and outside the classroom. Research from his lab has resulted in over 80 peer-reviewed articles, numerous conference presentations, and nearly $13 million in grant funds for the University. He has also taught a range of courses from the freshman to the graduate level. His dedication to teaching earned him the 2023 University Foundation Professorship Award.

Wick earned his doctoral degree in physical chemistry from the University of Minnesota and was a postdoctoral researcher in chemical engineering at the National Technical University of Athens in Greece under an NSF-MPS Distinguished International Postdoctoral Fellowship. Before arriving at Tech, he was also a postdoctoral researcher at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Washington.

Wick’s family includes his wife of 24 years, DeEtte, who is an alumna of Tech with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. He has two sons at Tech, Thomas, in his third year in the instrumentation and control systems engineering technology program, and Lucas, in his second year in sustainable supply chain management.  His youngest son Ashton, a senior at Ruston High School, is a dual enrollment student at Tech.

“I’m thoroughly humbled and honored to be selected as COES Dean and am grateful for the support of Louisiana Tech and the College of Engineering and Science,” Wick said, “I will do my best to build on the College and University’s culture and legacy of preparing our students to become leaders in their fields, along with providing service to our community and stakeholders.”