Sherif Elfayoumy chosen as Steel Dynamics Dean of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science at Purdue Fort Wayne

Sherif Elfayoumy, director of the School of Computing at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, has been selected by Purdue University Fort Wayne to become the Steel Dynamics Dean of the College of Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science. Chosen as part of a national search, his official start date is July 1.

Working in various roles, Elfayoumy has been with UNF since 2000, where he also served as a professor and associate dean of the College of Computing, Engineering and Construction. His accolades include receiving the FIS Distinguished Professor Award in 2014 and the UNF Distinguished Professor Runner-Up Award in 2018.  

Elfayoumy’s initial plan for ETCS at Purdue Fort Wayne is to work with faculty and staff to elevate student success while enhancing their access to exciting career opportunities. His ultimate goal is to make PFW’s ETCS programs a top choice for students from the region, other states, and internationally through the strengthening of existing partnerships and the development of new ones. Elfayoumy describes the college as a catalyst for growth and economic development in northeast Indiana.

“With a notable emphasis on cutting-edge teaching and research in areas such as engineering, technology, and computer science, the Purdue brand stands tall among the most distinguished names in academia,” Elfayoumy said. “Furthermore, the faculty and staff of ETCS at Purdue Fort Wayne are dedicated to providing students with world-class learning opportunities. I am eager to collaborate with them to achieve this shared vision of educational excellence.”

Elfayoumy has extensive experience in strategic planning, innovation, fundraising, administration, and the promotion of academic achievement. His research interests include data analytics and data mining. He also has approximately 50 peer-reviewed publications, conducted more than $1.7 million in funded research, and been awarded three patents. 

“We are very fortunate to have a nationally known scholar and leader join us as dean of our College of ETCS,” said Carl Drummond, vice chancellor for academic affairs, Purdue Fort Wayne. “I am particularly thrilled that Dr. Elfayoumy comes to us with leadership experience in computer science, our strongest and fastest growing program at both the undergraduate and graduate level. He brings a wealth of experience in building community connections, and I am certain he will rapidly become connected with our many corporate partners.” 

Elfayoumy’s work away from the UNF campus has included a research fellowship at the American University in Cairo during the 2009–10 academic year, membership on the Jacksonville economic development committee, and the Jacksonville chamber’s IT council.

Elfayoumy earned a Ph.D. in computer science and engineering, and master’s in computer science, from the University of Louisville. He earned a bachelor’s in electrical engineering from Zagazig University in Cairo.