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Posted 8-24-00

James W. Wagner named CWRU provost

CLEVELAND -- James W. Wagner has been appointed provost and University vice president of Case Western Reserve University, effective September 1.

Wagner will be responsible for leading academic operations and services in coordination with CWRU President David H. Auston, and will be Auston's principal deputy in the University's administration. He succeeds Richard A. Zdanis, who retired July 31. Wagner is currently dean of CWRU's Case School of Engineering, as well as professor of materials science at the school.

"After an eight-month, nationwide search, the search committee has endorsed Dean Wagner enthusiastically for the position, and I couldn't be more pleased," Auston said. "He has outstanding academic and administrative qualifications, and a good understanding of the kind of leadership that will help this University become an even stronger institution."

"I'm eagerly looking forward to serving as provost and helping President Auston realize his vision for the University," Wagner said. "The great commitment of the faculty and staff of the Case School makes it difficult to step away, but I'm very confident that the momentum we've generated will enable the school to further grow in stature in the coming years."

Since Wagner became dean of the Case School on January 1, 1998, the school's progress has accelerated dramatically. Under his leadership the school has registered a number of significant accomplishments, including:

• Development of a forward-looking vision for the school -- focusing on fundamentals, creativity, societal awareness, leadership skills, and professionalism -- and a set of specific plans to achieve that vision.
• Establishment of a groundbreaking joint degree program in engineering and management with the Weatherhead School of Management, supported by a $4.2 million grant from the Timken Foundation.
• Development of new mechanisms for recruitment and support of graduate students in engineering disciplines.
• Steps to strengthen the faculty, including attracting seven new endowment funds to support professorships, a performance reward system for faculty, and modest growth in the size of the faculty.
• Creation of the position of associate dean for research and technology within the Case School of Engineering, and initiation of a technology transfer initiative for the Case School in coordination with the University-wide program.

Before coming to CWRU, Wagner was professor of materials science and engineering at Johns Hopkins University's Whiting School of Engineering. While at the Whiting School, he chaired the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and was director of the Materials Research Center of Excellence. He holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Delaware, and an M.S. in clinical engineering and a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from Johns Hopkins.

Wagner is noted for his contributions to materials science, especially in the area of nondestructive evaluation and characterization of materials. His research involves using laser-based testing technologies that make it possible to evaluate the performance of materials without stressing the materials' limits or destroying them. He is a resident of Shaker Heights.

With roots dating back to 1826, CWRU today is the largest private research university in Ohio and ranks 12th among the nation's private research universities in federal awards to support research and development. The University enrolls approximately 9,600 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from all 50 states and nearly 100 nations.

Members of the media: Click here to view downloadable photos of James W. Wagner.

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