Arts & Sciences associate dean named SU engineering school interim dean
SU named College of Arts and Sciences Associate Dean Jennifer Ross interim dean of its College of Engineering and Computer Science, Provost Lois Agnew announced in a program-wide email. Ross is set to begin in November as former dean J. Cole Smith moves to Clemson. Ike Wood | Assistant Photo Editor
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UPDATE: This post was updated at 1:06 a.m. on October 9, 2025
Jennifer Ross, associate dean for creativity, scholarship and research at Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences, will serve as interim dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Provost Lois Agnew announced in a Wednesday email to ECS students.
The appointment comes a day after Agnew announced the departure of sitting Dean J. Cole Smith, who is taking a position as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at Clemson University in January.
“We are deeply grateful for Cole’s dedicated service, visionary leadership and commitment to excellence,” Agnew wrote in a Tuesday email to ECS students. “While we are sad to see him go, we know he will do great things in this new role as he returns to Clemson.”
Also a physics professor, Ross previously served as chair of the Department of Physics from 2020 to 2024. A biophysicist, Ross’s research focuses on molecular biology using single-molecule imaging techniques.
Using a hands-on approach to learning about microscopy, Ross leads students in building light microscopes to learn the basics of ray optics, according to her university profile. During her time as chair of the physics department, she oversaw the addition of an astronomy major.
Ross is also credited with developing innovative teaching methods, including “Experiencing Physics” labs targeted at improving learning and student retention.
In her role as associate dean, Ross applied for funding, prize and award nominations for Arts and Sciences research expenditures. She holds a Ph.D. in physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and a bachelor’s degree in physics and Mathematics from Wellesley College.
“Jenny brings exceptional qualifications to this role,” Agnew wrote in the Wednesday email. “As an award-winning biophysicist whose research focuses on cellular organization and next-generation bio-inspired materials, Jenny understands the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and academic and research excellence.”
Ross will begin her position as interim dean on Nov. 1.
The university appointed Smith as dean of ECS in October 2019. He previously served as Clemson’s associate provost for academic initiatives and chair of the department of Industrial Engineering, Agnew wrote in the initial Tuesday email.
During his tenure, Smith oversaw substantial renovations to Link Hall, ECS’s home building, including the addition of the Allyn Innovation Center. He’s also added academic incentive programs, including the Signature Co-Op Program and a master’s degree program in operations research and system analysis.
ECS research expenditures grew by 30% during his leadership between 2019 and 2023, according to a 2023 release.
Agnew did not suggest a timeline for appointing a new official dean in the Wednesday email.
