New dean hopes to mine resources from UA alumni

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Jennifer Holmes/Arizona Daily Wildcat Newly-appointed dean of UA's College of Engineering and Mines, Thomas W. Peterson, works in his office.

Peterson - who has been a University of Arizona master's degree recipient, assistant professor, professor, department head and now dean - has a passion for his alma mater and its graduates.

"I'd like the college recognized not only for its contribution to the students and the jobs they receive, but also for its contribution to the community," he said.

Peterson, who served on the Alumni Association's board of directors for several years, said the college of engineering should tap the resources of its graduates.

"There are a lot of alumni who want to help the university - not just financially, but with their time and their talent," he said. "There are a lot of people who are passionate about academics and diversity on campus."

Peterson's familiarity with the Tucson community helped put his application ahead of the seven other candidates who vied for the dean's position, said William Cosart, associate dean of the College of Engineering & Mines.

"I think that the knowledge of the relationship with the Tucson community we serve, the industrial and engineering professions and the fact that he was born and raised in Tucson shows his dedication to Arizona," Cosart said. "He feels a strong association with the university and its alumni."

Peterson talked enthusiastically about the engineering programs, particularly the department's master's program, which was approved by the Arizona Board of Regents this summer.

Engineering graduate students at Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and the UA can now obtain degrees in non-traditional engineering fields such as software or semiconductor engineering, and working students can attend courses part time.

Peterson said he was excited about a cooperative venture between the mining and business colleges. In the program, engineers create a marketable idea, then business students take the concept and develop it into a working enterprise.

"It's not just an academic exercise - companies have actually been started through this program," Peterson said. About 25 students have gone through the program in the last three years, and one company is still up and running.

"We have good programs for undergraduates and graduates," Peterson said. "The lines are blurred between classroom and laboratory education - I like it that those lines are overlapped."

Peterson said there have been several ups and downs during his interim term, which began in January when Ernest Smerdon, who had been dean for 10 years, resigned to accept a position with the National Science Foundation.

"In all of my time at the UA I've found that at every step there are challenges and disappointments but also opportunities. I like to focus on the opportunities," Peterson said.

Cosart predicted a seamless transition from Peterson's interim position to his permanent role.

"The office staff is very happy to be out of limbo; it's not fun when everything is temporary and now we have someone we like and can work with," said Bonnie Donis, administrative associate for the college.

Peterson, 48, has been a professor at the UA since 1977 and holds a doctorate in chemical engineering from the California Institute of Technology. He was head of the UA chemical and environmental engineering department in 1990.

"I think everyone in the college has agreed that he has done a fine job as interim dean," Cosart said. "All indications are that he is going to do well, and the college will do well."