AFTER SERVING NINE years, Stephen W. Director stepped down from his post as Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering to accept the position of provost and senior vice president at Drexel University.

During his tenure, Michigan Engineering thrived as one of the nation’s leading engineering colleges. The student body is now the largest and of the highest quality in the history of the College. Research has a worldwide reputation for excellence. Michigan is one of only a few engineering schools that are home to two National Science Foundation Engineering Research Centers. Faculty members are world-class — nearly two dozen are members of the National Academies, including three who were elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2005. The physical plant has once again expanded and improved. And Michigan Engineering’s fiscal health is sound — despite an unprecedented decrease in state support. The Progress & Promise: 150th Anniversary Campaign stands at 62 percent of its $300-million goal, and the endowment is at an all-time high, exceeding $245 million. 

Director foresaw and reacted to rapid technological change, globalization, growing population, increasing environmental issues and looming energy shortages, all of which, he knew, would change the practice of engineering in the future. For his foresight and his ability to lead an internationally prominent academic enterprise, the College will be forever grateful.

Groundbreaking for the Computer Science and Engineering Building, November 21, 2003. (l-r) Don Schmitt, Diamond and Schmitt Architects, Inc.; Dean Director; Progress & Promise: 150th Anniversary cochairs Kevin O’Connor (BSE EE ’83) and Jerry Levin (BSE EE ’66, BSE EM ’67); U-M President Mary Sue Coleman; John Laird, professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
PHOTO BY MARTIN VLOET

Construction celebration for the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, April 1, 2004. (l-r) Matt O’Donnell, Jerry W. and Carol L. Levin Professor of Engineering and BME chair; Frank Blanchard, director of communications, The Whitaker Foundation; U-M President Mary Sue Coleman; Ann Lurie (LLD Hon. ’03), president, Lurie Investments; Dean Director.
PHOTO BY MARCIA LEDFORD

Groundbreaking for the Michigan Nanofabrication Facility, April 15, 2005. (l-r) Ann Lurie (LLD Hon. ’03), president, Lurie Investments; Dean Director; U-M President Mary Sue Coleman; Jerry Levin (BSE EE ’66, BSE EM ’67); Don Graham (BSE IE ’55, MSE ME ’56), chairman, The Graham Group.
PHOTO BY MARTIN VLOET

Director with the solar car team and the M-Pulse (background), Michigan Engineering’s 2001 solar car, American Solar Challenge
champion, and a third-place finisher in the World Solar Challenge.
PHOTO BY SCHENK & SCHENK

2002, Director presents the first Recent Engineering Graduate Award to Google co-founder and President, Products, Larry Page (BSE CompE ’95).
PHOTO BY JD SMALL

Director, with Bill Joy (BSE CompE ’75, DEng. Hon. ’04), co-founder, Sun Microsystems, designer of Berkley UNIX, developer of Java, and commencement speaker for graduation exercises, May 1, 2004.
PHOTO BY JD SMALL

Director with 1998 Alumni Society Medal recipient John Tishman (BSE EE ’46, DEng. Hon. ’00), chairman and chief executive officer of Tishman Realty & Construction Company, Inc.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL SCHIMPF

Director presents the 2004 Recent Engineering Graduate Award to Tony Fadell (BSE CompE ’91), iPod developer and vice president of Engineering, iPod Division, Apple Computer. 
PHOTO BY DWIGHT CENDROWSKI

Director congratulates former astronaut James A. McDivitt (BSE AA ’59, ScD Hon. ’65), recipient of the University of Michigan’s 2003 Distinguished Alumni Service Award.
PHOTO BY MICHAEL SCHIMPF

  Stephen W. Director

"It has been a privilege and honor for me to serve as the Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering at Michigan for the past nine years. I leave Ann Arbor with many fond memories and great optimism for the future of the College. This optimism is based upon the ability of the College to attract outstanding faculty, students and staff; the interest faculty have in working collaboratively across departmental and College boundaries in order to address the grand challenges of society; and an extremely loyal alumni base who give generously of their time and financial resources."

“Lori and I have been very fortunate to make many special friendships that will endure. We remain grateful for the opportunity to be part of the University of Michigan community, and wish the College all the best for a bright future.”