The University of Alabama’s department of chemical and biological engineering has found its new head in John Van Zee, who will begin his tenure in January 2013 after 28 years at the University of South Carolina.

Van Zee was a professor of chemical engineering as well as the founding director of The Industry/University Cooperative Research Center for Fuel Cells, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, at USC. Having learned to perform research with industries, Van Zee said he comes to Alabama prepared for his new post.

“I plan to work with the faculty, the industrial advisory board and the Dean of Engineering so that the missions, visions and objectives developed previously are fulfilled,” Van Zee said. “There is a strong tradition at UA with excellence of our students, faculty, and staff in the department. The education of our students has and will continue to be our top priority.”

Van Zee hopes to continue contributing to Alabama’s drive for excellence by arranging for students in his department to be provided with opportunities such as co-ops, research and service based learning. He and the department hope that with these options, students will be able to develop life-long learning skills.

In addition to opening different avenues for undergrads and continuing to be recognized for well-rounded graduates, Van Zee also has plans for the doctoral program to be enhanced, as well as the department itself to undergo improvements.

“A part of the plan will be to expand the Ph.D. program, because the state of Alabama and the USA needs engineers with the problem solving skills (beyond the BS degree) that are acquired in graduate school,” Van Zee said. “I would [also] like to see the department’s reputation flourish in the area of international-recognized research and this will be faculty driven.”

Former interim department head Alan Lane added what he believes Van Zee brings to the table for Alabama, including the right disposition for the job, his leadership skills, and even his mentoring role with young faculty. Along with these qualities, Lane attributed Van Zee’s pending success at the University to his invaluable management experience and collaborations with industries and other universities.

“In the short run, we need to maintain our ABET [Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology] accreditation during the College of Engineering review next fall,” Lane said. “We also want to significantly build the size of our graduate program. In the long run, we want to be nationally recognized for excellence in every aspect of teaching, research, and service, and Van Zee was hired because we believe he has the leadership skills to bring us there.”

Charles Karr, dean of the college of engineering, offered his own opinion of Van Zee’s arrival at the University in a recent press release.

“John Van Zee is a wonderful addition to our faculty in the college of engineering. He will definitely help us grow and grow with quality,” Karr said. “He has a strong record in working with both undergraduate and graduate students, and he relates well to young people so I know he will be a huge plus as we continue to work to recruit the best and brightest. I could not be more pleased to have John as head of the department of chemical and biological engineering.”