Associate Dean Parang Retiring After 41 Years at UT
The Tickle College of Engineering will soon begin a search for a new associate dean of academics and student affairs, as Masood Parang has announced his intent to retire in 2019.
Parang has held the role since 2004, during which time he has served as a critical liaison between students and faculty, in forging partnerships with other universities in the US and abroad, and as the point person on student events ranging from Engineers Day to commencement.
“It has been an honor to work with many colleagues in the faculty and staff and with the students I was able to help over the many years I have spent at UT,” Parang said. “I look forward to new and exciting projects during my retirement and expect nothing short of a smooth transition and continued success for the next associate dean in this position.”
He first came to UT in 1977 after serving as an assistant professor at the University of Oklahoma, where he earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in 1971, ’72, and ’75, respectively.
As a member of the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering at UT, Parang’s research focus included fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and aspects of aeronautical research.
He is an associate fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, a licensed engineer in Tennessee, and a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, in addition to serving with groups and journals including NASA and the National Science Foundation, among others.
“Masood has served this college admirably, both as a faculty member in his department and as an administrator,” said Mark Dean, interim dean of the college. “Without Masood’s leadership, experience, collaboration skills, and passion for the students, the college would not be where it is today. We thank him for his service and hope he enjoys his well-earned retirement.”
The search to find Parang’s successor will be led by a committee chaired by Chris Cox, head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and will include members from around the college.