University of Michigan Appoints Mingyan Liu as New Dean of Engineering
In a significant leadership transition at the University of Michigan, Mingyan Liu has been named the Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering, with her term commencing on May 15, 2026. Liu, an esteemed academic within the institution, brings a wealth of experience and insight to her new role.
Currently serving as the associate dean for academic affairs at the College of Engineering, Liu holds a professorship in electrical engineering and computer science. Her tenure at the university dates back to 2000, during which she has undertaken various pivotal roles within the College of Engineering.
Laurie McCauley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, endorsed Liu’s appointment, stating, “Mingyan Liu has earned the trust and respect of colleagues across her field and across the university. She understands the excellence of Michigan Engineering and the responsibility that comes with leading it. I am confident she will guide the college with clarity, care, and a strong sense of purpose.”
Liu is set to take over from Karen A. Thole, who resigned to become the inaugural director of Penn State’s new National Security Institute. Her term as dean will continue until July 31, 2029, pending approval by the Board of Regents, which will review the appointment at its meeting on May 21.
Before this new role, Liu has been pivotal as the associate dean since June 2023, overseeing critical areas such as faculty recruitment, promotion, academic planning, and resource management. Her leadership as the chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering from 2018 to 2023 saw the launch of a new master’s program with specializations in machine learning, autonomous systems, and semiconductors.
Reflecting on her long-standing relationship with the university, Liu remarked, “In some sense, I feel like I grew up here. This is my home. I am excited and energized. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to serve the college that I’ve known for so long — serving my community, my colleagues and our students.”
Addressing the challenges in higher education, Liu emphasized the importance of Michigan Engineering’s proactive engagement in shaping the future of public higher education. She noted, “It’s critically important that a college like Michigan Engineering, as one of the leading engineering colleges in the country, actively engage and help set key agenda items for public higher education and define what it means in the next five to 10 years.”
Liu’s research encompasses areas like optimal resource allocation and performance analysis. Her recent focus has been on cybersecurity, leveraging machine learning and game theory to address cyber risks. She also co-founded QuadMetrics Inc., which commercializes U-M-developed predictive cybersecurity analytics.
Having earned a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering and an M.S. in systems engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, Liu began her academic journey with a B.S. in electrical engineering from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in China. Her contributions to the field are recognized through numerous awards, including the NSF CAREER Award and the Distinguished University Innovator Award.
