Olivet Nazarene University recently announced the appointment of Dr. Houston Thompson as dean of the Martin D. Walker School of Engineering and Technology, effective August 1, 2017. He is responsible for overseeing the School’s undergraduate academic programs, as well as the work of its faculty members.
“The School of Engineering is a thriving and growing academic division at Olivet,” said Dr. Carol Summers, vice president for academic affairs. “Dr. Thompson’s seasoned leadership will be an asset to help the School navigate the myriad opportunities ahead. I have every confidence that he will serve our students well and work effectively with the faculty to accomplish their vision for the School.”
Olivet’s School of Engineering consists of two departments: the Department of Engineering, chaired by Dr. Joseph Schroeder, and the Department of Computer Science, co-chaired by Dr. Larry Vail and Dr. Cathy Bareiss. Under Dr. Thompson’s leadership in the coming year, the Department of Engineering will have an accreditation site visit by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc. (ABET).
In addition to his responsibilities as dean, Dr. Thompson serves as the director of Olivet’s Doctor of Education in Ethical Leadership degree program in the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies. He is also Olivet’s accreditation liaison officer for the Higher Learning Commission.
Prior to accepting this new assignment, Dr. Thompson served as Olivet’s associate vice president for academic affairs. When he first joined Olivet’s faculty in 2006, he was chair of the Department of Social Work and Criminal Justice. In 2013, he was appointed dean of the School of Professional Studies, which included the Departments of Engineering and Computer Science at that time.
Dr. Thompson holds a doctorate in education, a Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degree and a master’s degree in church management. He is also an ordained elder in the Church of the Nazarene. He is the author of the book Conflict Management for Faith Leaders. His academic and professional interests include leadership, strengths-based youth development, not-for-profit and organizational management, and fundraising.
