Mechanical engineer named new dean of WVU’s Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Pedro Mago (Photo Credit: Russ Houston, Copyright: Mississippi State University, 2014)

A distinguished higher education leader and expert in energy systems and sustainability – key areas in West Virginia University’s research – has been selected as the next leader of the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.

By Kimberly Becker
Director of Communications

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY office of the provost

Pedro J. Mago’s appointment as the Glen H. Hiner Dean of the Statler College was announced Friday (Jan. 31) by Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Maryanne Reed. Mago most recently has served as department head and PACCAR Chair Professor at Mississippi State University. His WVU appointment will begin July 1, 2020.

“Pedro Mago is exactly the right leader for the Statler College at this time in the life of both the College and University,” said WVU President Gordon Gee. “The college, with its world-changing discoveries, research and innovation efforts, is a key contributor to the economic future of our state and nation. I am confident that under his leadership and expertise he will guide the College to new opportunities and even greater success.”

Reed echoed Gee’s sentiments.

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Mago as the newest Mountaineer to our Morgantown campus,” said Reed. “His extensive experience as a leader in higher education and in building strong partnerships with industry collaborators will continue the momentum of the Statler College’s ongoing success.

“Moreover, Dr. Mago is committed to building on the culture of collaboration, diversity and inclusivity at WVU, as well as the University’s mission to help drive economic development and prosperity in the state,” Reed said.

Mago is currently a tenured professor and head of the Mechanical Engineering Department at MSU, the largest department in the Bagley College of Engineering and the third-largest department at the university. He has served in that role as well as the PACCAR Chair Professor since 2014. Mago also has served as assistant and associate professor; director of the Micro Cooling, Heating and Power (Micro-CHP) and Bio-Fuel Center; co-director of the Department of Energy Southeast Clean Energy Regional Application Center; and co-director of the Southeastern Center for Industrial Energy Intensity Reduction, all at MSU.

His research area has been on energy systems and is currently focused on combined heat and power systems, building energy simulation and waste heat recovery technologies. Mago is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2010, 2011, and 2012 Hearin Faculty Excellence Award at MSU; the 2013 Bagley College of Engineering Academy of Distinguished Teachers Award; and the 2013 Bagley College of Engineering Outstanding Faculty Researcher Award. He also held the Tennessee Valley Authority Professorship in Energy Systems and the Environment from 2010 to 2014. Mago was named fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 2013.

Among his teaching and research awards at MSU, Mago also secured more than $15 million worth of sponsored research resulting in more than 160 publications. As department head, he led his department to a 37 percent increase in research expenditures, a 25 percent and 28 percent increase in the undergraduate and graduate enrollments, respectively, as well as the implementation of several new initiatives to increase the diversity of the faculty and student population.

“I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as the next dean of the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources,” said Mago. “I am very impressed with the quality of the faculty, staff and students of the College. I am excited and optimistic about the future of the Statler College, and I look forward to working closely with faculty, staff, students, administrators, alumni and community leaders to elevate the College to new levels of excellence, distinction and contributions.”

WVU Vice Provost Paul Kreider led the search committee that selected four candidates from a pool of applicants to visit campus in October and November 2019. The University retained the national firm Greenwood/Asher Associates, Inc. to assist in this search.

Earl Scime, professor in and former chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy, was named interim dean of the Statler College in July 2019.

“Dr. Scime has more than ably led the Statler College during this transitional year, making important hires, elevating the college’s research profile and inspiring faculty with his own outstanding research record.” said Reed. “We are deeply grateful to him for his commitment to the students and faculty at the University.”

The Statler College is a leader in engineering research in West Virginia. As part of an R1 research institution, the College is committed to engaging in groundbreaking research endeavors and strives to serve the people of the state by stimulating economic well-being through technical innovation, knowledge creation and educational excellence.For its 130 year history, the College has served as an example for what an institution of higher education can do for its state, people and country by contributing to the advancement of society through learning, discovery, extension and service.

Mago will be the second Glen H. Hiner Dean at the Statler College since the establishment of the endowment in 2005.

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