Marquette University’s College of Engineering dean, Robert Bishop, Ph.D., has resigned to become dean of the University of South Florida’s College of Engineering.
Kristina Ropella, Ph.D., executive associate dean, will serve as interim dean effective on Tuesday. She holds a bachelor’s in biomedical engineering from Marquette and a master’s and a doctorate in biomedical engineering from Northwestern University. She has been a faculty member at Marquette for 24 years.
“Throughout her career, Dr. Ropella has been looked up to as a leader and problem solver,” said Dr. Margaret Faut Callahan, interim provost and dean of the College of Nursing. “As evidenced by the variety of scholarly and professional recognition she has received, including serving as the college’s executive associate dean, she is poised to keep the momentum of the college moving forward.”
Marquette has recently experienced several leadership vacancies. The provost, athletic director and College of Business Administration dean positions are also currently vacant. The Milwaukee university will form a search committee in the coming weeks to replace Bishop.
“We have made great strides in our educational and research programs under Dr. Bishop’s leadership,” Ropella said. “His vision and relentless pursuit of excellence have resulted in new and exciting initiatives benefitting faculty and students alike.”
