Dr. K. Krishnamurthy, professor and associate chair for graduate affairs in the mechanical and aerospace engineering department at the University of Missouri-Rolla, will become the associate dean for research and graduate affairs in the School of Engineering on Jan. 1, 2004.

Krishnamurthy replaces Dr. Mariesa Crow, who became the transition dean of the School of Mines and Metallurgy in October 2003. His responsibilities include graduate recruitment and program administration and the advancement of research and faculty and student success.

"Dr. Krishnamurthy is a successful faculty member who also has a demonstrated ability in engineering administration," says Dr. Robert Mitchell, dean of the UMR School of Engineering. "We are fortunate to have him serve in this capacity. This is a critical time for us as our graduate and research programs are key to our success in economic development and to our reputation as a premier national research university."

Krishnamurthy received his bachelor of engineering degree from Bangalore University in 1980 and his master of science and doctorate degrees from Washington State University in 1982 and 1986, respectively. All three degrees were in mechanical engineering. He joined the UMR faculty in 1986.

A four-time recipient of the UMR Outstanding Teaching Award, Krishnamurthy has also received the Faculty Service Excellence Award from the UMR Academy of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineers. In addition, he has served as a Boeing A.D. Welliver Faculty Summer Fellow.

Krishnamurthy currently serves as an associate editor for Control and Intelligent Systems, an international journal, and is active within the Dynamic Systems and Control Division of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. His research interests include intelligent control, robotics, advanced manufacturing systems, micro-electro-mechanical systems and nanotechnology.