Patrick E. Connolly, Ph.D., has been appointed associate dean for undergraduate programs and learning innovation in the Purdue Polytechnic Institute.
In the new role, Connolly will provide leadership and vision in support of the undergraduate learning transformation currently underway in the college. He will work directly with Gary Bertoline, dean of Purdue Polytechnic, to develop and execute the transformation plan with the academic department heads, faculty and staff. Connolly will also serve as the coordinator of accrediting activities and initiatives and provide leadership for activities related to student services, student rights and responsibilities, and matters related to the undergraduate curricula in the college. He will also serve as the secretary of the Polytechnic Institute faculty, coordinating the operation of the Polytechnic Faculty Senate and matters of governance in the Polytechnic Institute.
“The Purdue Polytechnic Institute has made fantastic progress in our undergraduate transformation over the past several years,” said Connolly. “It is exciting to consider where we go next, and how we will get to the next steps in our goal of being the thought leaders in innovative undergraduate education. I am very much looking forward to working with the great faculty, staff, and administration in the Polytechnic to achieve new levels of success across the college.”
Connolly was previously head of the Department of Computer Graphics Technology, where he remains a professor. He has been an educator at Purdue since 1996, and has taught a wide variety of computer graphics, product lifecycle, product management, and design courses at Purdue Polytechnic’s West Lafayette and Richmond locations. He has authored or co-authored numerous journal articles and conference papers on topics related to instructional methods, spatial ability development, augmented and virtual reality, assessment methodologies, simulation applications, creativity enhancement, and curriculum issues.
Connolly earned a bachelor’s degree in design and graphics technology and a master’s degree in computer integrated manufacturing from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He completed his Ph.D. in educational technology at Purdue.
Prior to entering academia, Connolly worked in the aerospace and computer software industries and has extensive experience in CAD applications and design, CAE software support, and customer service management. His interests include solid modeling applications, high technology educational environments, visualization techniques, innovative teaching approaches, and distance learning.
Connolly’s new appointment begins July 1.
Previous appointment: