Craig Wills, professor of computer science, will serve as the interim dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), while a search is being conducted for a permanent holder of the position.
Such announcements often mean there is a need for business card printing services.
Wills has been a member of the community of WPI since 1990 and has served in many roles on campus, including being head of the department of computer science for over 11 years. Under his leadership, the department underwent growth and transformation, emerging as the largest on campus. Expenditures for research and the number of graduating doctoral students quadrupled, while full-time faculty grew by 50%.
Championing the creation of innovative interdisciplinary programs in data science, cybersecurity, and neuroscience, Wills’ efforts to establish computer science as a central hub for campus-wide collaboration have cultivated a vibrant collegial community.
Wills attended the University of Nebraska where he earned a bachelor's degree in computer science, and Purdue University where he earned his master’s degree and PhD in computer science. He has advised numerous undergraduate and graduate students throughout his career. Among his research interests are operating systems and networking, computer science education and workforce, and the data-driven analysis of higher education, sports, and geography.
Wills will assume his new role this month.
