Kecojevic named interim chair of mining engineering

Vladislav Kecojevic

Vladislav Kecojevic, professor of mining engineering at West Virginia University, has been named interim chair of the department, effective August 11.

“Dr. Kecojevic has been a member of the department since 2010 and has conducted research around the world on issues related to surface mining, mine safety and environmental issues,” said Gene Cilento, Glen H. Hiner Dean of the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. “He has also been recognized as an outstanding faculty member and advisor and his experiences will help him in this administrative role to lead the Mining Engineering educational and research programs.”

“I am very pleased to have been appointed as the interim chair of the Department,” said Kecojevic. “I look forward to working with students, faculty, staff, College and University administration, alumni and our community. I am honored to serve them all as we move toward an exciting future for the department.”

While earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees in mining engineering from the University of Belgrade, Kecojevic was employed with Krupp Canada from 2000-2001 and was responsible for the design of mining equipment. He was also involved in the planning and design of coal, bauxite and limestone mines in Serbia and Montenegro from 1992 through 2000. He held the Centennial Career Development Professorship in Mining Engineering at Penn State University before coming to WVU.

Kecojevic has been recognized internationally for his contributions to the mining industry. Earlier this year, he was awarded the Erskine Ramsay Medal from the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers for his contributions to the research, education and service in surface coal mining and for his international recognition as a researcher, teacher and academic leader.

He replaces John Herbst, who will continue to serve as a member of the department’s faculty.

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