José Sánchez will join Purdue University Northwest as dean of the College of Engineering and Sciences, effective May 1.

As dean, Sánchez will lead an academic college offering 19 undergraduate and master’s programs that prepare students for careers in STEM fields. He will also lead PNW’s School of Engineering within the College of Engineering and Sciences.

Sánchez will oversee the scholarship and research initiatives advanced by PNW’s Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation, the Integrative Physiology and Health Sciences Center, the Center for Crime and Forensics, the Water Institute, the Energy Efficiency and Reliability Center and the Center for High Energy Physics.

“We are delighted and excited for José Sánchez to join our Academic Affairs team to lead the College of Engineering and Sciences amidst the changing landscape of higher education, the growing vibrancy of Northwest Indiana and a sense of optimism across the university,” said Marie Mora, PNW provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, in a press release.

Sánchez previously served at Merrimack College as dean and professor of the School of Science and Engineering. He was founding dean of the School of Engineering and Computational Sciences. Sánchez helped secure gifts to establish endowed professorships and research initiatives and expand sponsored research. He was involved in adding several undergraduate and master’s programs and expanding partnerships with industry and government leaders.

Sánchez served in engineering leadership and faculty positions at Wentworth Institute of Technology, University of Indianapolis and Bradley University. He has also served as a program evaluator with the American Board for Engineering and Technology accrediting body since 2020.

Sánchez earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois. He earned his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in electrical and computer engineering from Bradley University.

“When I visited PNW, I was truly impressed by the strong sense of community and the university’s deep commitment to student success,” Sánchez said. “I look forward to collaborating with faculty, staff and students to foster innovation, strengthen interdisciplinary partnerships and create transformative opportunities that positively impact the Region and beyond.”