David Koonce named dean of the Graduate College

Ohio University Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Elizabeth Sayrs has named Dr. David Koonce as dean of the Graduate College, effective immediately.

In addition, Koonce will remain as the interim vice president for research and creative activity. He was named as the interim dean of the Graduate College and interim vice president for research and creative activity in June 2022 after Dr. Joe Shields announced his intention to leave the University.

“I am very pleased that Dr. David Koonce will be leading the Graduate College as dean moving forward,” Provost Sayrs said. “The Graduate College promotes student success and academic excellence, and David’s knowledge, extensive experience, and commitment to graduate education will greatly benefit our students, faculty and staff.”

Since joining OHIO in 1993 as a faculty member in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology, Koonce has held several key roles, including serving as the interim vice president for research and creative activity and interim dean of the Graduate College twice, from June 2022 through April 2023 and from May 2018 through July 2019. He also has served as associate dean for the Graduate College and associate vice president of research.

In the Russ College, Koonce served as the assistant chair and graduate chair of the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, and director of the engineering management graduate program, among other roles. 

Koonce earned his Ph.D. in engineering science, his M.S in industrial engineering and his B.S. in industrial engineering, all from Louisiana State University.

“I am proud to serve as the dean of the Graduate College and to continue working with our amazing students, faculty and staff,” Koonce said. “It has been my honor to serve as the interim dean in this last year, and I am excited about of the opportunities for the Graduate College in the year ahead.”

A national search for the next vice president for research and creative activity will be held during the fall semester.