The University is pleased to announce that Dr. William J. Craft has assumed the position of interim associate vice chancellor for research and dean of the School of Graduate Studies effective March 5, 2007. Dr. Craft is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and he also serves as A&T’s Liaison Professor to the National Institute of Aerospace. This institute was founded by a consortium of six universities and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) on September 26, 2002. Dr. Craft was appointed chairperson of the Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1989. He is a licensed professional engineer with a Ph.D. in Engineering Mechanics from Clemson University.

Dr. Craft has over 30 years of educational experience at NC A&T State University as well as industrial experience with Martin Marietta Corporation. He holds membership in Phi Kappa Phi, Sigma Xi, ASME, Pi Tau Sigma, and Tau Beta Pi. He has served as an ABET evaluator for nine years, and he received an ASME Dedicated Service Award in November 2000. Additionally, he served as ASME Vice President of Region IV from 1999-2002. He also serves as an FE item writer in mechanical engineering for the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.

Dr. Craft maintains substantial involvement in graduate education, and he is the author of one of the two initial A&T Ph.D. proposals approved by the UNC Board of Governors in 1993. He has written numerous educational and research proposals and papers. His current research interests include design of sensors, composite materials and thermally induced stresses, and bio-inspired actuators.