Dean's letter – May 2026

As we close another successful academic year, Nevada Engineering is also opening a new chapter. We are creating our new strategic plan and anticipate sharing it with you later this year. About five months ago, I initiated this process. Since then, task forces and committees focused on student success, community engagement, research and innovation, and regional economic development have engaged with over 1,000 stakeholders to develop plans and strategies. We are working to refine our draft plan to ensure it is clear, actionable, and aligned with our long-term goals.

Concurrently, we are reorganizing our college structure to enhance efficiency, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration and expand high quality experiential learning opportunities for our students. We will consolidate five departments into three new, cohesive schools. By aligning our current programs into schools, we can improve research competitiveness, student experience and faculty support while positioning the college for growth, stronger partnerships and greater national visibility — without reducing positions. We will share details with you in the coming months, and we hope you are as excited for this new chapter as we are.

Another chapter is also coming to a close at Nevada Engineering. Our advisory board chairman, Jeff Ceccarelli ’76 (civil engineering), is stepping down from his leadership role after many years of dedicated service. He has guided the college through times of both challenge and growth and remained deeply engaged with the University throughout. Jeff, we are grateful for your leadership, your friendship and your enduring commitment to the Wolf Pack.

These are times of change, but I am reassured when I look at the achievements of our students and faculty, some of which are outlined in this newsletter. These successes remind me that our greatest strength is our people. Thank you for being part of the Nevada Engineering community and for your continued support as we move forward together.

Sincerely,

Dean Tom Weller
College of Engineering
University of Nevada, Reno