English Named Industrial Engineering Department Head

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - John R. English, professor of industrial engineering and director of the GENESIS Technology Incubator, has been appointed as head of the department of industrial engineering, effective immediately,Otto Loewer, dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas, announced today.

English replaces Rick Malstrom, who died in February during a morning jog.

"I could not be more pleased that John has accepted this position," said Loewer. "He is an outstanding engineer and educator, with an excellent reputation. We are fortunate to have him in this important leadership role, and I know he will carry forward Rick Malstrom’s good work."

English said, "This department has benefited tremendously from the leadership of Rick Malstrom." His legacy will not be forgotten. He had a vision for the department that brought it national and international recognition. The department faculty are positioned to move it even higher."

A native of Prairie Grove, Ark., English earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in operations research from the University of Arkansas and a Ph.D. in industrial engineering and management from Oklahoma State University. He was an assistant professor at Texas A&M University before joining the University of Arkansas faculty in 1991.

"I am very enthusiastic about the opportunity and proud to be a part of such a fine group of professionals," said English. "This department has a lot going for it. The quality of the faculty and staff is second to none."

English will also serve as director of The Logistics Institute, a multi-campus, industry/university cooperative research center. Sponsored in part by the National Science Foundation, The Logistics Institute partners the University of Arkansas and Georgia Tech with more than 20 corporations and government agencies to advance logistics technology, education and practice.

"The Logistics Institute has been a mainstay of support for the department for nearly a decade," explained English. "In addition, our affiliation with the Mack Blackwell Rural Transportation Center provides tremendous research opportunities for our faculty and graduate students."