Meet the new interim dean for the College of Science and Engineering – T. Dwayne McCay.
Dr. McCay has more than 30 years of experience in leadership and management positions in academia, industry and government, including American University of Vietnam, University of Texas – Permian Basin, Florida Institute of Technology, University of Tennessee System, the University of Tennessee Space Institute, University of Alabama – Huntsville, Sverdrup Technology Inc., U.S. Army Research Office, Air Force Rocket Propulsion Lab, and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.
During his administrative career, he has served as the primary strategic planner for the University of Tennessee’s new Center of Excellence program and new research infrastructure; partnered in the successful bid to operate Oak Ridge National Laboratory jointly; and was the University of Tennessee’s contract officer. At Florida Tech, he authored their strategic plan; reorganized the academic colleges and research institutes; and developed the first federal relations program. He secured funding for multiple research efforts (federal, state, and commercial) and funding to construct four major facilities. At the University of Texas Permian Basin, he directed accreditation for four engineering programs and planned and launched Civil Engineering. While at AUV, he led efforts to obtain regional accreditation in the United States.
Dr. McCay was awarded UT Alumni Distinguished Professor, Auburn University’s highest technical award, and the Engineering Achievement Award for work in industrial laser processing. He has 16 patents, over 120 publications, and has presented in 10 countries. He is an Elected Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and a member of the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine – Florida.
“Dr. McCay’s experience as an administrator, researcher, developer, planner, team leader and teacher will advance the College of Science and Engineering on the path to achieving recognition for academic and research excellence as we move toward our R1 goal." — Floyd L. Wormley, Jr, Provost and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs
Among his technical accomplishments are leading the redesign team for the Space Shuttle Main Engine and serving as the initial chief engineer on turbopump replacements. He developed a satellite contamination prevention system to protect sensitive geosynchronous satellites, led the NASA team for Space Shuttle propulsion systems, and led a laser-processing team that developed manufacturing processes implemented in multiple commercial companies. He also led a team that developed high-energy laser industrial processes used in industry.
Dr. McCay earned his undergraduate degree in physics and graduate degrees in aerospace engineering and applied mathematics at Auburn University, Alabama. He later attended the NASA Executive Development Program at Wallops Island, Virginia.
"Together, with the talent and dedication of our faculty, the passion of our students, and the support of our alumni and partners, we will continue to advance a culture of inquiry and discovery here at the College of Science and Engineering." — Dr. McCay
A national search for a permanent dean of the College of Science & Engineering will begin during the 2025 fall semester.
