For two decades, Andrew S. Douglas has served the Whiting School of Engineering in many capacities. On July 1, he began a new undertaking: serving as interim dean until a successor to Ilene Busch-Vishniac can begin.

Since 1999, Douglas has been associate dean for Academic Affairs. For the previous two years, he chaired the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He also has a joint appointment in Biomedical Engineering. An advocate for students, Douglas played a key role on the Commission on Undergraduate Education, which seeks to improve student life.

“He will have a lot on his plate,” noted William R. Brody, president of the Johns Hopkins University, in expressing his pleasure that Douglas had accepted his request to serve as interim dean. Douglas will be continuing initiatives begun during Busch-Vishniac’s five years as dean. Among them are overseeing the School’s part in the University’s 10-year accreditation process, as well as the School’s own re-accreditation.

Busch-Vishniac announced a year ago that she would be stepping down from the deanship this past June 30.