The University of Arkansas at Little Rock George W. Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology has named new chairs for three departments.

“The new chairs will strengthen the college as we strive to serve students and engage the community,” said Lawrence Whitman, dean of the College of Engineering and Information Technology. “The college looks forward to their leadership and we welcome them in their new roles.”

The new department chairs, whose appointments begin July 1, include:

• Dr. Margaret E. “Beth” McMillan, chair of the Department of Earth Sciences
• Dr. Ibrahim “Abe” Nisanci, chair of the Department of Systems Engineering
• Dr. Srikanth Pidugu, chair of the Department of Engineering Technology

McMillan is a professor in the Department of Earth Sciences who focuses on geomorphology, sedimentology, and geographic information systems.

She holds a doctorate in geology from the University of Wyoming, a master’s degree in environmental science and engineering from Colorado School of Mines, and a bachelor’s degree in geology from Colorado College.

Nisanci is a professor of mechanical engineering technology. He holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in industrial engineering from Orta Dogu Teknik University in Turkey and a master’s degree and doctorate in engineering production from Loughborough University in England.  

Pidugu is a professor of mechanical engineering technology who was instrumental in establishing UALR’s American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers student chapter.

He received a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Old Dominion University, a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Indian Institute of Technology in Chennai (Madras), India, and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Osmania University in Hyderabad, India.