Dr. Daniel Pack
UTC on Thursday announced that Dr. Daniel Pack, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, has been named dean of the Baylor University School of Engineering and Computer Science, effective June 1.
The announcement was made by Dr. Jerold L. Hale, UTC provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs.
“Dr. Pack has been a valuable contributor to UTC’s success since joining the University in 2016 as dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science,” Dr. Hale said. “He has initiated new degree programs like the Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechatronics and the Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology in Cybersecurity; both programs directly address workforce needs in the state of Tennessee and throughout the region. He has expanded CECS student-success initiatives through the Center for Student Success and the Living Learning Community. He has significantly raised the college’s research profile.
“The increased research prominence has resulted in more high-impact learning opportunities for students, cutting-edge research by faculty members, and a growing reputation for the college and UTC, traits that made Baylor University—an R1 research institution—take notice.”
A renowned researcher in robots, computer vision and unmanned systems, Dr. Pack came to UTC after serving as Mary Lou Clarke Professor and Chair in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Before joining UTSA, he spent 17 years as a faculty member at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, where he was the founding director of the Academy Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Research.
“I am both sad to know that this will be my last semester at UTC and grateful for the opportunity I have had working with leaders throughout the university and at the college under the leadership of Chancellor (Steven) Angle and Provost Hale,” Dr. Pack said. “The experience of working with top-class faculty, staff, students, advisory board members, friends and alums of the college, along with leaders of the Greater Chattanooga community, to advance the college’s mission will be remembered and cherished by me for the rest of my life.
“The college is on a great path to fulfill its vision to become a preeminent college of engineering and computer science in the nation and I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to contribute toward moving the college toward that vision. I will remain grateful to UTC and the people the institution represents.”
Dr. Pack holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Purdue University, where his dissertation examined sensor-based control for a quadruped walking robot. He earned a master’s degree from Harvard University and a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University.
"Dr. Pack has been—and continues to be—a hardworking, influential, visionary leader,” Dr. Hale said. “We are deeply grateful for his service here at UTC, and we know he will have an equally significant impact in his new role at Baylor University.”
A national search for his successor will begin immediately.