Saint Louis University has appointed Gregory E. Triplett Jr., Ph.D., to be the inaugural dean of SLU’s School of Science and Engineering, effective July 1, 2023. The new academic unit launched last year.

Triplett is the senior associate dean for academic affairs at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Engineering in Richmond, Virginia, where he oversees undergraduate and graduate engineering programs. He joined VCU in 2016 as a professor and associate dean for graduate studies.

“I am incredibly excited to have Dr. Triplett join our team here at SLU,” said University Provost Michael Lewis, Ph.D. “He will be a transformational leader for the institution and will expand the reach of our programs through innovative programming and curricular development.”

Triplett brings a distinguished record of success and leadership in engineering education to his new role at SLU. At VCU, he has led the development of new academic programs, sought collaborations that closed the gap between academia and industry, and spearheaded efforts to enhance the engineering school’s infrastructure for achieving research excellence.

During Triplett’s tenure at VCU, the engineering school’s annual research expenditures increased from $11 million to more than $30 million. The number of degrees awarded grew by 32%, and enrollment from populations traditionally underserved increased by 42%.

Passionate about student success, Triplett also helped secure nearly $13 million from federal agencies, industry partners and non-profit organizations to support the development of programs focused on improving retention and graduation rates, workforce development and experiential learning.

I look forward to building on the legacy of the school and strengthening relationships with communities both domestically and internationally.”

Gregory E. Triplett Jr., Ph.D.

During his career, Triplett has helped secure $17 million as a principal investigator or co-principal investigator; authored more than 140 publications and presentations; and has won more than a dozen awards for research, teaching, advising and mentoring.

“As a world-class researcher, Dr. Triplett will dramatically enhance our scholarly reputation,” Lewis said. “His work and approach to instruction and research align with SLU's Jesuit mission.”

Triplett said he’s grateful for this opportunity to lead SLU’s new School of Science and Engineering.

“SLU is a well-respected institution with excellent faculty, staff and students who are driven by their passion to improve quality of life for all communities,” he said. “We have a unique opportunity in the School of Science and Engineering to lead on the national landscape and work collaboratively with every sector of society to overcome the most vexing social and technological challenges. I look forward to building on the legacy of the school and strengthening relationships with communities both domestically and internationally.”

Triplett began his academic career in 2011 at the University of Missouri, where he served in a variety of roles, including the James C. Dowell Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, director of the Compound Semiconductor Research Lab, and associate director of Mizzou’s honors college.

His contributions to engineering education extend beyond academia into many other sectors, including working at the Air Force Research Laboratory on new device development efforts, as well as serving on numerous boards and expert panels.

Triplett earned his Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, his master’s in electrical engineering from Florida State University and his bachelor's in electrical engineering at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

Triplett will succeed Scott Duellman, Ph.D., who has served as interim dean of the new school since July 2022. Prior to that, Duellman had served as interim dean of the former Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology from March 2021-June 2022.

“I want to thank Dr. Scott Duellman for his steady leadership and commitment, which have helped set up the new school for success and laid the foundation for Dr. Triplett to serve as the inaugural permanent dean of the school,” Lewis said.

Triplett’s appointment follows a national search led by a search committee comprised of faculty, staff, students and trustees. Barnali Gupta, Ph.D., the Edward Jones Dean of the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business, chaired the search committee.

Saint Louis University formed the School of Science and Engineering in 2022 to better meet the future needs of its students and faculty. The school brings together select departments from the College of Arts and Sciences — chemistry, computer science, earth and atmospheric sciences, and physics — with the former Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology. To learn more about the School of Science and Engineering, visit slu.edu/science-and-engineering.