At Fowler School of Engineering (FSE), a new academic year brings opportunities for innovative breakthroughs in technology and higher education. As such, we are beyond pleased to welcome Dr. Kendall Harris, PhD, P.E., who will guide these endeavors of academic and research excellence through his service as the Fowler School of Engineering’s Interim Dean.

Dr. Harris began his appointment as Interim Dean this summer—and, in doing so, quickly got to work meeting faculty, students, and staff. Through this role, he seeks to not only amplify the incredible groundwork established by previous FSE deans Dr. L. Andrew Lyon and Dr. Tom Piechota but also to “listen closely, then lead boldly” as Chapman Engineering enters its next crucial phase of development.

Interim Dean Harris’ journey to Chapman and Fowler Engineering has been driven by his commitment to innovation in STEM education, as well as a passion for empowering students through transformative learning environments. As a seasoned university administrator and faculty member with over two decades of experience, Dr. Harris has served in a variety of leadership roles—including Dean, Provost, and Interim Dean—at numerous higher education institutions across Texas and Ohio. These experiences have sharpened his understanding of what it takes to build strong academic programs, foster inclusive excellence, and align engineering and computer science education with societal needs—all of which he is enthusiastically channeling into his new role. 

“I’m genuinely excited about what’s ahead,” shared Harris. “I see Fowler as a place that isn’t just teaching engineering and science—it’s redefining it. That kind of environment is rare, and I’m committed to helping us build what’s next, together.”

A Conversation With Dr. Kendall Harris

Q: What have you noticed about the Fowler School of Engineering ecosystem that impresses you?

Harris: What has impressed me most is the community’s unwavering commitment to relevance, creativity, and collaboration. Fowler isn’t just producing technically sound engineers and computer scientists—it’s cultivating designers, leaders, and problem-solvers who are thinking about how to make the world better. This is a place where conventional models are being challenged, and where education is truly student-centered, interdisciplinary, and forward-thinking. I saw a community that wasn’t afraid to reimagine engineering and computer science for a rapidly changing world—and I knew I wanted to be part of that.

From day one, I’ve seen students engage in hands-on projects that connect to real societal issues, and faculty who not only bring subject-matter expertise but who also mentor and inspire. There’s an energy here—a momentum—that’s hard to miss. Whether it’s the interdisciplinary nature of the Grand Challenges Initiative, collaborative projects like the R2-D2 model and the arcade machine, or the radically student-focused learning environment from Engineering 101 onward, this is a community that thrives on purpose-driven innovation.

Dean Harris and students talking in the Tech Shop

Interim Dean Kendall Harris preparing 3D printers with students and staff in the Tech Shop to donate to Orange Unified School District (OUSD).

Q: In helping Fowler Engineering take its next big steps, what challenges, decisions, growth opportunities, or adventures are you most looking forward to engaging with as Interim Dean? Additionally, what do you feel makes you uniquely equipped to address these?

Harris: I’m looking forward to helping Fowler Engineering grow strategically while maintaining its strong identity—not just for today, but for the future. That includes evaluating and possibly restructuring areas of the school to better support collaboration, curriculum evolution, and long-term sustainability. Growth brings opportunity, but it also requires us to ask hard questions about how we work, teach, and engage with the world. With Fowler being relatively young, as a school, it is very important for students and staff to establish our unique identity within the engineering and computer science community.

I bring experience leading complex academic mergers, developing new engineering programs, and securing funding to support student success and faculty research. I understand how to navigate change while keeping people at the center of every decision. What makes me uniquely suited to this role is my ability to bring people together around a shared vision—and then move that vision forward with purpose and clarity.

Q: What words of wisdom would you offer Chapman’s Engineering community, especially incoming students who are also coming into a new role/life stage?

Harris: Lean into the discomfort of growth; as with a caterpillar needing to grow within its cocoon to form the wings and fly, struggle and change are part of becoming better. Whether you’re a first-year student or taking on a new challenge, remember that every step outside your comfort zone is shaping the person and professional you’re becoming. And never underestimate the power of collaboration. The best ideas often come when we work across disciplines, experiences, and perspectives.

Q: Overall, how would you characterize the impact you hope to have on FSE at large? What impression do you wish for the school to have of your deanship?

Harris: I hope to be remembered as a leader who brought clarity, energy, and vision to a pivotal moment in Fowler’s journey. It’s time to establish who we are, and it’s time for the world to see that. My goal is to strengthen the foundation already laid while positioning the school for even greater impact. I want this community to feel that I listened deeply, acted strategically, and always centered students and faculty in the decisions I made.

Those interested in learning more about Interim Dean Harris’ history in higher education, his extensive focus on community advocacy, or future insights for Chapman’s Engineering and Computer Science community are encouraged to view his faculty profile or read his Message from the Interim Dean on our website.