Photo of Jeffrey L. Duerk

Engineering Dean Jeff Duerk named UMiami provost

The University of Miami announced this morning that Case School of Engineering Dean Jeffrey L. Duerk will become its next executive vice president and provost, effective July 1.

“Case Western Reserve has been my professional home for nearly three decades,” Dean Duerk said. “It was just 30 years ago that I walked across the stage and received my PhD here. I leave with immense gratitude for the opportunities I have had here, as well as for the privilege of working with truly outstanding colleagues and students; I have been inspired throughout my time at Case. As much as I look forward to becoming provost at the University of Miami, I will deeply miss both this place and its people.”

A native of Medina, Duerk became dean of the engineering school five years ago after serving as chair of its Department of Biomedical Engineering for nearly four years. Under his leadership, the Case School of Engineering took the acclaimed innovation space known as think[box] from idea to pilot space to the 50,000-square-foot Richey-Mixon Building. The effort has drawn notice from national media and the White House, and helped launch dozens of student startups. The school also has set new fundraising records every year starting in 2013, and added more courses allowing students to have hands-on experiences earlier in their undergraduate careers.

“Jeff brought new energy to the Case School of Engineering, and his leadership helped catalyze several impressive achievements,” President Barbara R. Snyder said. “We are grateful for his deep dedication, commitment to innovation in education, and strong support of research. We wish him the very best as he begins his work at the University of Miami.”

President Snyder said that the university will launch a nationwide search for Duerk’s successor, and will name an interim dean prior to his departure.

Duerk earned his doctorate in biomedical engineering in 1987, and went on to publish nearly 200 peer-reviewed articles and secure more than 30 patents. His research focus involved imaging, in particular magnetic resonance imaging. In 2004, he founded an ambitious interdisciplinary effort in the School of Medicine, the Case Center for Imaging Research, serving as its leader for many years. In 2006, he became a fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, a nonprofit organization that includes the top 2 percent of researchers in the field; earlier this year, he was elected to its board of directors. Last year, he was elected to the National Academy of Inventors for lifetime achievements.

“Jeff is both an outstanding researcher and leader,” Provost W.A. “Bud” Baeslack III said. “His work has advanced the school enormously, and we look forward to attracting a dean who will capitalize and build upon that progress.”