Hopkinson appointed interim chair of Wadsworth Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Associate Professor Leslie Hopkinson was recently appointed interim chair of the Wadsworth Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit)

Leslie Hopkinson, professor in the Wadsworth Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at West Virginia University’s Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, has been named interim chair of the department, effective August 17, 2026.

Story by Crystal Hanes, Storyteller
Photos by Paige Nesbit, Director of Marketing and Communications

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Hopkinson joined the Wadsworth Department in August 2010 after earning her Ph.D. in biomedical systems engineering with specializations in natural resources management and ecological engineering at Virginia Tech. Over the past 16 years, she has taught courses in hydrology, fluid mechanics, and surveying at WVU while focusing on research in surface hydrology, environmental hydraulics, streambank stability, vegetation fluid interactions, watershed management and reclamation.

While being honored to be selected for the role, Hopkinson continues to look at the future of the program.

“This is an exciting time for the Wadsworth Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at WVU. We recently launched our Bachelor of Science in Construction Management program, and I look forward to welcoming and supporting these students as they begin their studies at WVU. We are beginning to see the impact of our new Environmental Engineering program as graduates enter the workforce and contribute to the profession,” Hopkinson said.

Looking beyond the classroom, Hopkinson also highlights the commitment of students outside of class time.

“We are also proud that the WVU Student Chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers, led by Logan Decker, will host the regional symposium this spring. Students, faculty, and practicing engineers from across the region will visit WVU to participate in a variety of student competitions and professional activities. This event provides an outstanding opportunity to showcase our students, faculty and world-class facilities,” Hopkinson said.

As she begins her new duties, Hopkinson says she is ready to carry this energy into tomorrow.

“I am committed to building on this momentum and supporting the continued growth, success, and excellence of our civil and environmental engineering community.”

“We are excited about the new perspective that Dr. Hopkinson will bring to our Civil and Environmental Engineering Department,” stated Pedro Mago, Glen H. Hiner Dean of the Statler College. “Dr. Hopkinson comes with a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise that will greatly benefit this position. On behalf of the college, we look forward to future collaborations and to continuing the tremendous momentum and positive trajectory of the department. I want to thank Dr. Lance Lin for his outstanding work as department chair. His leadership has strengthened the department and established a solid foundation for Dr. Hopkinson to continue to build upon. I want to wish Dr. Lin all the best as he transitions to his new role as director of the WVU new role as director of the WVU Rare Earth Element initiative.”

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