Mago reappointed as Dean of the Statler College

During Dean Pedro Mago's first five year term, he prioritized student success — positioning it as a driving force in his vision for the College. (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit)

Pedro J. Mago has been reappointed to his administrative post as Glen H. Hiner Dean of the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University for another five-year term.

Story by Paige Nesbit, director of marketing and communications
Photos by Paige Nesbit

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

During the Spring 2025 semester, Statler College faculty, staff, and visiting committee members, as well as fellow deans and University administrators, were invited to participate in Dean Pedro J. Mago’s review. Participants shared their perceptions of Dean Mago’s five years of service performance via a survey.

According to the announcement to the Statler College community from the Provost Office, Dean Mago’s performance and leadership were rated very positive. Survey respondents complimented his leadership with supportive qualitative comments and very favorable quantitative scoring. 

“I am truly humbled and grateful to all the individuals from the WVU community who generously shared their time and insights,” Mago said. “The accomplishments and success of our students, advancement of our academic programs and research are driven by the talent and hardworking people of the Statler College.”

According to the survey, respondents commended Dean Mago for his respectful and collaborative leadership focused on creating a positive culture. Furthermore, Dean Mago’s emphasis on recruiting and retaining talented faculty, staff and students was recognized as positive. Special mention was made of his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and College changes over the past two years.

During his first term, Dean Mago prioritized student success, positioning it as a driving force in his vision for the College.

In an effort to be competitive in the global market, the college developed several new undergraduate programs, including robotics engineering, engineering technology, and environmental engineering — aimed at creating more opportunities for students and responding to industry demands. Additionally, the college introduced three new online graduate programs: engineering management, midstream petroleum engineering, and a Ph.D. in occupational safety and health, which resulted in a 39.2% increase in online enrollment since Fall 2020. In addition, the college implemented various strategies to enhance student retention — creating initiatives for long-term academic success and community engagement. This led to an increase in the college’s Fall-to-Fall retention rates to an all-time high of 87% in Fall 2024.

In 2020, the college developed a comprehensive Research Strategic Plan to enhance its interdisciplinary research areas and foster strategic partnerships. As a result, external research expenditures significantly increased by 72%, rising from $23.3 million in 2020 to $40.1 million in 2024. Furthermore, over the past five years, the College consistently ranked among the top 100 institutions in the National Science Foundation Rankings for external and institutional research expenditures. In the latest rankings based on FY 2023, all engineering disciplines are ranked among the top 100 institutions, and the College reported a record total of $52.2 million in total research expenditures. This marks a 34.5% increase in total research expenditures compared to five years ago. 

"Each year, our faculty, staff and students work tirelessly to address global challenges," Mago explained. "Their curiosity, commitment to discovery and collaborative spirit exemplify the R1 classification. I am incredibly proud of our research community, consistently breaking boundaries and exceeding expectations — making our College a hub of groundbreaking research and academic achievements.

Since being named Dean in 2020, the College has raised approximately $184 million from alumni, donors and industry partners to support undergraduate scholarships, graduate fellowships, student groups and experiential learning opportunities, endowed faculty positions, junior faculty fellowships, advanced industry software, laboratories, and other facilities.

In 2023, Mago developed the Office of Engagement for Students, Faculty and Staff to serve as a college resource — implementing programs and initiatives to support, mentor and provide opportunities for students, faculty and staff to thrive.

"I am truly honored to continue leading the Statler College, and I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as we work together to shape an even brighter future. Our faculty, staff, students, and alumni are the heart of our community, and I look forward to collaborating with them to build on the incredible momentum we’ve already achieved. With their continued hard work and dedication there is no limit to what we can accomplish moving forward.”

Mago’s reappointment was made effective on July 1, 2025 by Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Paul Kreider.

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

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