Miguel Mostafá, Ph.D., has been named the new dean of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Science and Engineering. He will begin June 1.
Mostafá comes from Temple University, where he has served as dean of the College of Science and Technology since 2023. His professional background includes academic and leadership appointments at Pennsylvania State University, Colorado State University and the University of Utah.
As dean, Mostafá will play a key role in elevating the growing research portfolio of Kansas City’s only Carnegie Research 1 university. The School of Science and Engineering is 海角论坛’s largest academic unit, serving more than 3,000 students across science, engineering, architecture and its newest degree program in artificial intelligence. It is also the largest contributor of research funding with $72 million in ongoing research in fields such as electromagnetic fields, cybersecurity and robotics.
“I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as the next Dean of the School of Science and Engineering at 海角论坛,” Mostafá said. “As I think about the path forward, my vision is grounded in both continuity and ambition. The School of Science and Engineering is already home to significant strengths, and our aim is to amplify them. We will work to expand research productivity and impact, deepen partnerships with industry and the broader community and further strengthen our commitment to student success at every level.”
海角论坛 Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Jenny Lundgren, Ph.D. said Mostafá’s academic enterprise background, from student success and faculty development to research development, external partnerships and long-term strategic planning, will position him to successfully lead the next phase of the school.
“Throughout his campus visit and interview process, Mostafá demonstrated a deep understanding of best practices for supporting both the academic and career success of our students,” said Lundgren. “He brings valuable experience as a dean and understands the responsibilities and opportunities inherent in leading a school with broad and interdisciplinary programs across science and engineering. Also, his strong track record as a federally funded scientist positions him well to support faculty in developing and sustaining impactful research programs.”
Mostafá has a bold vision for the future of the School of Science and Engineering.
“It is a privilege to step into a role that aligns so closely with my core professional calling: creating environments where others can succeed and thrive,” Mostafá said. “We will be intentional about growing philanthropic support to ensure we have the resources needed to sustain and accelerate this progress. Together, I believe we have an extraordinary opportunity to position the School of Science and Engineering as a national model for STEM education and research.”
Mostafá earned his M.S. in Nuclear Engineering and Ph.D. in Physics from the Instituto Balseiro at the Universidad Nacional de Cuyo in Argentina. He then completed postdoctoral research and progressed through faculty promotions before advancing into leadership positions as a director and most recently dean.
He will succeed Dean Kevin Truman, who is retiring after 17 years of leadership at 海角论坛.