Hissam named associate dean of academics and student performance

Robin Hissam (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit)

Robin Hissam, teaching associate professor in the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, has been appointed to associate dean of academics and student performance, effective July 1, 2022.

Story by Adrianne Uphold, Multimedia Specialist

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

In this role, Hissam will enhance students’ learning experiences within the College. She will work alongside student services, outreach and recruitment, corporate relations and career assistance to guide students through the academic, extracurricular and procedural aspects of their college career to ultimately work in the fields of engineering or computer science. 

This new position replaces the associate dean for academic affairs role held by David Wyrick for the last seven years. Hissam said this new title will help clarify the goal of improving students’ learning experiences.  

“I am extremely grateful to Dean Mago for the opportunity to lead this team that is focused on our students and their academic careers,” Hissam said. “I appreciate the foundation that David Wyrick and others before have built, and I am excited to work with such a talented and knowledgeable team to ensure the high-quality education that our students receive while helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities that arise.” 

Hissam has a wide range of experience in engineering focusing on biomaterials and materials science. Originally from Charlottesville, Virginia, Hissam joined Statler in 2008 after working in Toronto, Canada, on a post-doc in biomimetic materials. She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in materials science and engineering from Virginia Tech in 2001, later earning her doctorate in materials science and engineering from the University of Delaware in 2006.  

Since joining West Virginia University, Hissam has demonstrated high quality work and excellence for students by serving as the director of undergraduate education since her appointment in 2019. Hissam focused on program assessment and accreditation for the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering programs, student support as a mentor and resource, faculty support for curriculum or class concerns and taking care of administrative responsibilities relating to curriculum or student learning. 

Her passion for education has been recognized College wide by being named one of the College’s Teachers of the Year in 2018-2019 and the College’s Adviser/Mentor of the Year in 2020-2021.  

For the last five years, Hissam has been a member of the Faculty Senate Curriculum Committee and served as chair during the 2021-2022 academic year. She has been a member of the Statler Undergraduate Curriculum Committee for seven years and served as the chair for three years. She is also a member of the Statler Academic Standards Committee. 

“The focus is always on student learning and making sure our programs are delivering content in a way that students can learn and apply that content to real-world problems in engineering,” Hissam said. “In my new role, I will be getting up to speed on the vast amount of work the team does to recruit students into the College, help students progress through their curricula and aid in finding opportunities to enhance students’ education in extracurricular activities, experiential learning or industry.” 

Hissam will also aid the programs in curricular review and modifications, work to ensure policies are supporting students and their success while also supporting projects and events to enhance student learning.  

“Robin Hissam is an outstanding appointee to this role, and I am confident Robin’s energy, ideas and enthusiasm will advance the mission of the College,” Pedro Mago, Glen H. Hiner Dean of the College, said. “On behalf of the college, I want to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge David Wyrick for his leadership, service, and all he has done to support our Mountaineer family in his former role, especially during this challenging time.” 

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