AUSTIN, Texas Dr. Thomas F. Edgar has been appointed to serve as associate vice president for Academic Computing and Instructional Technology Services (ACITS) at The University of Texas at Austin.
ACITS provides computing services for the campus and is responsible for operating the UT campus network. It also provides expertise in multimedia and distance education.
Edgar, who assumed his role as associate vice president for ACITS on June 2, has served as interim director of (ACITS) since Sept. 1, 1996. ACITS reports to the office of the executive vice president and provost, and Edgar will participate in provost’s office executive staff meetings and Deans’ Council meetings.
“Information Technology is playing an ever-increasing role in every aspect of academia, and the University will benefit greatly from the advice, counsel and leadership that Edgar can provide,” said Provost ad interim Stephen A. Monti.
He said Edgar’s appointment was based on his University administrative experience and his excellent performance while interim director of ACITS. The search committee, after conducting a nation-wide search, unanimously voted Edgar as the top candidate.
“The improved alignment between ACITS and the academic goals of the University will allow us to provide technical leadership and enhance our services to faculty, staff and students,” said Edgar. “The completion of a long-range plan for information technology will provide new strategic directions as we move into the 21st century. This plan will assist in transforming the way the University uses information technology in instruction and research, its internal operations and outreach to the public.”
Edgar’s teaching career began in 1971 as an assistant professor of engineering at UT Austin, where his academic career progressed to associate professor of chemical engineering in 1976 and professor in 1981.
Administratively, he served as chair of the department of chemical engineering, beginning in 1985, and as associate dean for academic affairs in the College of Engineering from 1993 until 1996 when he was asked to serve as interim director of ACITS. Edgar holds the George T. and Gladys H. Abell Chair in Engineering and is an expert in using computers in mathematical modeling, automatic control, optimization and engineering education.
Edgar has received numerous honors and awards. The American Society of Engineering Education presented him the Meriam-Wiley Distinguished Author Award in 1990, and in 1995 he received the Computing in Chemical Engineering Award from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
