Phil Lewis Appointed as New Dean of ECU’s College of Engineering and Technology

April 25, 2026 - 19:04

The East Carolina University Board of Trustees officially approved the appointment of Dr. Phil Lewis as the new dean of the College of Engineering and Technology during a meeting held on Friday. Lewis, who has been serving in an interim capacity since July 2024, will now assume the role on a permanent basis, effective immediately.

Dr. Lewis brings a wealth of academic and administrative experience to the position. He joined ECU in 2018 as a professor in the Department of Construction Management and quickly rose through the ranks, previously serving as associate dean for research and graduate studies within the college. His research focuses on transportation infrastructure, construction safety, and sustainable engineering practices, areas in which he has published extensively and secured significant grant funding.

University officials expressed confidence in Lewis’s leadership, noting his collaborative approach and commitment to student success. “Phil has demonstrated exceptional vision and dedication during his time as interim dean,” said a university spokesperson. “His deep understanding of the college’s mission and his ability to foster innovation will be invaluable as we continue to grow our engineering and technology programs.”

The College of Engineering and Technology at ECU offers a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, including programs in engineering, construction management, and computer science. Under Lewis’s guidance, the college aims to expand research initiatives, strengthen industry partnerships, and enhance experiential learning opportunities for students.

Lewis holds a Ph.D. in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, a master’s degree from Texas A&M University, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas. He succeeds Dr. Paul Kauffmann, who retired after leading the college for over a decade.