Drexel names new dean for its College of Computing

Drexel University on Thursday named a new dean for its College of Computing and Informatics.

Yi Deng, 56, who has led the College of Computing and Informatics at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte for six years, will join Drexel in September.

He replaces David Fenske, who retired.

At UNC Charlotte, Deng is credited with contributing to dramatic growth in both enrollment and research funding.

Drexel provost M. Brian Blake said in a statement that welcoming Deng to campus ensured that "a college, already on a rising trajectory, continues on its path of success with a shared vision to address the nation's fastest-growing job sector."

Blake said Deng's "record of commitment to building innovative programs, growing the research enterprise, and fostering collaboration aligns him perfectly to guide our college forward on all of these fronts."

Under Deng's leadership, UNC Charlotte's College of Computing launched seven interdisciplinary bachelor's and master's degree programs, and established an international educational partnership with China.

Undergraduate enrollment in UNC Charlotte's computing college doubled to 1,480 students. Graduate enrollment increased by 140 percent to 870 students, making it one of the largest computing and informatics programs in the country.

Deng previously was a dean and professor at Florida International University, and held academic posts at the University of Ottawa and the University of Texas at Dallas.

He has a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Pittsburgh.

martha.woodall@phillynews.com 215-854-2789 @marwooda