Dr. Maj Mirmirani returns to OHIO as interim dean of Russ College of Engineering and Technology

Ohio University President Gonzalez today announced that Dr. Maj Mirmirani will return to OHIO to serve as interim dean of the Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ College of Engineering and Technology. He assumes the role following Dean Pat Fox’s decision to return to faculty, effective July 31.

Dr. Mirmirani previously served in this same leadership role at Ohio University and returns with extensive experience in higher education administration, research, and academic leadership.

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Mirmirani back to OHIO,” President Gonzalez said. “His familiarity with the University, combined with his proven leadership and deep expertise in engineering, positions him well to guide the Russ College during this transition.”

Dr. Mirmirani most recently served as interim dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at Lawrence Technological University, where he led efforts to strengthen faculty governance, revitalize research priorities, and support strategic hiring and academic program development.

He served as interim dean of Russ College from June 2022 to July 2023, where he led a successful ABET accreditation visit, advanced strategic planning, strengthened donor relationships, and helped position the college for continued growth and momentum.

Earlier, Dr. Mirmirani served for more than a decade as dean of the College of Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and as interim senior vice president for academic affairs and research. His leadership there included launching new doctoral and graduate programs, significantly expanding research activity and infrastructure, and advancing student success and enrollment growth.

Dr. Mirmirani began his academic career at California State University, Los Angeles, where he served on the faculty and as department chair, leading major externally funded research initiatives supported by NASA, the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the National Science Foundation, and industry partners.

He holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Tehran Polytechnic.

As the University welcomes Dr. Mirmirani back to this leadership role, it also recognizes the important contributions that have shaped Russ College’s recent progress.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Pat Fox for his leadership of the Russ College,” President Gonzalez said. “During his tenure, the college advanced student success through hands-on, experiential learning opportunities, strengthened its role in supporting regional workforce and economic development, and expanded research capacity and impact. His contributions have positioned the Russ College for continued momentum, and we are grateful for his service to OHIO.”

Dr. Mirmirani will serve as interim dean while the University conducts a national search for a permanent leader of the Russ College of Engineering and Technology.