Scott Pryor, associate professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering, has been named associate dean for undergraduate programs for the NDSU College of Engineering. The announcement was made Oct. 31 by Michael Kessler, dean of engineering.
“Scott comes to the position with an outstanding track-record of effective and innovative undergraduate teaching, project-based learning and activities to improve student retention. He also has substantial leadership experience, including serving on college and department assessment and accreditation committees, College of Engineering Academic Affairs Committee, University Assessment Committee, Faculty Senate and various strategic planning committees,” Kessler said.
In the position, Pryor will oversee outreach and pre-college programming, coordinate recruitment and retention efforts, oversee academic advising, expand and coordinate first-year experience efforts, coordinate interdisciplinary programs, coordinate the college’s innovation and entrepreneurship activities, be involved in strategic and tactical planning initiatives and serve as the liaison to various administrative offices at the university level.
Pryor, who joined the NDSU faculty in 2006, said, “I believe in all facets of NDSU’s goal to be a student-focused, land-grant, research university, and my heart is with our students and the obligation to improve their educational experience.”
Pryor has been a researcher participating in 16 grants totaling $4 million. He is active in the USDA multi-state project, titled “The Science and Engineering for a Biobased Industry and Economy,” serving as secretary and vice chair of the group. In addition, he is an associate editor of the energy systems division for journals of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.
He was a visiting professor and Fulbright Scholar at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in 2015-16. Pryor earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural and biological engineering and doctorate in biological and environmental engineering from Cornell University.
His vita lists 11 invited presentations, 42 peer-reviewed publications, two book chapters and 60 meeting presentations. Pryor’s numerous honors include the 2013 College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources Larson-Yaggie Excellence in Research Award, the College of Engineering’s 2012 Researcher of the Year Award and NDSU Foundation’s 2009 Gordon A. Larson Agricultural Research Award.
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