Altenkirch returns as research vice president

Mississippi State has named its former engineering dean as the university's new vice president for research.

Altenkirch

Robert A. Altenkirch, currently dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture at Washington State University in Pullman, will return to Mississippi State in mid-July. He previously led the university's College of Engineering from 1988 to 1995.

"Bob Altenkirch will join the team with three major commitments," said President Malcolm Portera in making the announcement. "He will continue the efforts to grow a quality research program. He will closely link this effort to the faculty and the academic program. And he will work with a team concept."

Portera cited as strengths Altenkirch's record in research and research administration and his prior experience on the Mississippi State campus.

Mississippi State ranks in the top 100 universities nationally in total research and development expenditures as calculated by the National Science Foundation. Portera said a university goal is to be among the top 75 research universities.

Altenkirch completed bachelor's and doctoral degrees at Purdue and a master's degree at the University of California-Berkeley.

Associate Vice President Melvin Ray has served as acting vice president for research since Ralph E. Powe died in late 1996.