Dr. Nancy Hubing, associate professor of basic engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla, will become director of the university’s freshman engineering program, effective July 1.

Hubing will replace Dr. Ron Fannin, who has served as the program’s director since its inception in 1986. Fannin will return to a full-time position as chair of UMR’s new interdisciplinary engineering department.

"Dr. Hubing has taught at both the college and the high school level, and she has good experience with our freshman engineering program," says Dr. Robert Mitchell, dean of UMR’s School of Engineering. "She is enthusiastic and well-qualified to lead this key component of our university."

The freshman engineering program provides academic advising and career information to all UMR freshmen planning to major in an engineering field. "Dr. Hubing has an excellent record in promoting academic success and retention among our freshman engineering students," adds Dr. Mariesa Crow, dean of UMR’s School of Materials, Energy and Earth Resources.

Hubing earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University in 1982. She received master of science and doctoral degrees in electrical and computer engineering from North Carolina State University in 1984 and 1989, respectively.

After obtaining her Ph.D., Hubing joined the UMR faculty as an assistant professor, serving in the electrical and computer engineering and basic engineering departments. She also taught physics at Rolla High School.

Hubing, a four-time recipient of UMR’s Outstanding Teaching Award, received the Outstanding Engineering Educator Award in 2002 from the St. Louis Section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. In 1995, she received the DOW Outstanding Faculty Award for the Midwest Section of the American Society for Engineering Education.