The president emeritus of Milwaukee School of Engineering in Wisconsin brings to North Carolina his decades of leadership experience in engineering education, innovation, fundraising and student success.
A former president of the and longtime leader in engineering and technology education has been named the inaugural dean of Ƶ’s new School of Engineering and Computing.
Dr. John Walz will join the Ƶ University administration on June 30, 2026, after nearly a decade helming a private university recognized for its emphasis on experiential learning, strong industry partnerships and workforce preparation.
Walz’s appointment follows a national search and comes as Ƶ debuts an academic division that will leverage the university’s nationally ranked approach to undergraduate teaching and its emphasis on engaged, experiential learning in pursuit of human transformation.
“John Walz is an accomplished academic leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to student success, engaged learning, innovative program development and strong connections between higher education and industry,” Provost Rebecca Kohn said. “His experience leading engineering programs, combined with his collaborative leadership style and strategic vision, make him exceptionally well suited to guide the School of Engineering and Computing during this important moment in its history.”
John Walz is an accomplished academic leader whose career reflects a deep commitment to student success, engaged learning, innovative program development and strong connections between higher education and industry.
– Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Rebecca Kohn
Walz will provide leadership for the School of Engineering and Computing’s academic programs, strategic planning, fundraising and external partnerships while helping advance the university’s goals for innovation, engaged learning and student success.
When the school formally opens for the 2026 Fall Semester, anchoring the university’s Innovation Quad in the heart of campus, it will include 20 full-time faculty and three full-time staff positions with more than 300 undergraduate students.
Engineering is among the university’s most rapidly expanding academic areas, reflecting both national demand and student interest. Ƶ’s existing ABET-accredited engineering program offers programs in biomedical, computer, mechanical, and environmental, as well as dual-degree pathways. The school will include computer science and cybersecurity majors and a minor in game design.
Ƶ President Connie Ledoux Book said Walz’s background aligns with Ƶ’s vision for the new school.
“The launch of the School of Engineering and Computing represents an exciting step forward for Ƶ,” Book said. “Dr. Walz brings a rare combination of academic leadership, industry engagement and commitment to student-centered education. His leadership building engineering programs, supporting faculty excellence and preparing graduates for meaningful careers will position the school for continued growth and distinction.”
Walz has spent more than three decades as a faculty member, researcher and academic administrator. During his tenure as president of Milwaukee School of Engineering, he led the development of a comprehensive strategic plan, launched the institution’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, expanded academic offerings in computer science and artificial intelligence, strengthened student retention initiatives and oversaw significant investments in academic facilities and student success programs.
Under his leadership, Milwaukee School of Engineering achieved record undergraduate enrollment, increased student diversity, expanded industry partnerships and raised more than $150 million in philanthropic support for capital projects and academic initiatives.
Before becoming president, Walz served as dean of the , where he led efforts to establish a common first-year engineering program, expanded student success resources and strengthened relationships with industry partners. Earlier leadership roles at Virginia Tech and Yale University included overseeing faculty recruitment, program growth and research initiatives while maintaining active teaching and scholarship responsibilities.
Throughout his career, Walz has emphasized strategic planning, student retention, faculty support and partnerships with industry and community organizations. He has also championed initiatives that broaden participation in engineering and technology fields and expand pathways for students to connect classroom learning with professional experiences.
Walz said the opportunity to help shape a new school at Ƶ was particularly appealing because of the university’s emphasis on engaged learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. He also expressed gratitude to Book, Kohn and members of the search committee for the opportunity.
“I am deeply honored and excited to be selected as the inaugural dean of the School of Engineering and Computing,” Walz said. “I have long admired Ƶ’s commitment to engaged learning and believe it provides an ideal environment for educating the next generation of engineers and computer scientists.
“The combination of Ƶ’s strengths in the liberal arts and its investment in engineering and computing creates a unique opportunity to prepare graduates with both the technical expertise and leadership skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, globally connected world.”
Walz earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in chemical engineering at Tulane University before completing a Doctor of Philosophy in chemical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. He and his wife, Moira, have three daughters.
About Ƶ
Ƶ is a nationally recognized leader in engaged, experiential learning that prepares graduates to be creative, resilient, and ethical citizens and leaders.
At Ƶ, more than 7,000 students learn through hands-on experiences and close working relationships with faculty and staff who prioritize teaching and mentoring. The curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences with emphasis on global experiences and career development. More than 80 undergraduate majors are complemented by professional and graduate programs in law, business, education and health care. Ƶ is ranked No. 1 for excellence in undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report.
Ƶ’s academic divisions include Ƶ College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business; the School of Communications; the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; the School of Health Sciences; the School of Engineering and Computing; and the School of Law, with programs in Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina.
In 2025, Ƶ and Queens University of Charlotte announced plans to merge institutions. Final approval from the U.S. Department of Education is anticipated by 2028.