After six months serving as the Whiting School’s interim dean, I have the honor and pleasure of introducing our new Benjamin T. Rome Dean, Ed Schlesinger, who officially became a member of the Whiting School community on January 1.

Across the board, members of the Whiting School’s community who have met Ed are thrilled with his appointment because it is abundantly clear that he has the talent, drive, vision, and experiences to build upon and advance the Whiting School’s successes. In the coming months, we look forward to giving you opportunities to meet with and get to know Ed, and I am confident that you, too, will be impressed by his commitment and energy. 

Ed brings from Carnegie Mellon University deep relevant experience in many areas that are critical to the Whiting School’s mission. Like Johns Hopkins University, Carnegie Mellon is a world-renowned institution and itsCollege of Engineering has made a global name for itself by leveraging its strengths in strategic areas. In his former position, Ed played leadership roles in many key areas—as head of Electrical and Computer Engineering and in establishing degree-granting programs in the U.S., as well as partnerships around the world.  

When Ed first met with faculty and staff, he told us that until he heard about the position at the Whiting School, he had no plans to leave Pittsburgh, a place he and his family have called home for nearly three decades. However, as he learned more about our strengths, accomplishments, and the tremendous potential of the Whiting School, he became increasingly convinced that he could help guide the School in advancing its mission. We’ve clearly hired the right person to position the Whiting School for even greater accomplishments in the 21st century. 

As always, thanks for your continued support and guidance. We know that we can count on you, our trusted alumni, to openly and warmly embrace Ed and his family, and to help us take this step into the great promise of our second century of engineering at Johns Hopkins.

Andrew S. Douglas

Interim Dean, Whiting School of Engineering