College of Engineering Dean Royce Bowden has announced plans to leave Wichita State University on June 30 to invest the next chapter of his life to philanthropic and scholarly interests. He will have completed 30 years of service in higher education, dedicated to the success of students, faculty and staff, including the past five at WSU.

Interim Provost Rick Muma will work with the college faculty and staff to identify an interim leader and conduct a national search for the next dean.

"Dean Bowden has done a tremendous amount of work on the progress of the university's mission by advancing STEM education, research and developing new cutting-edge teaching spaces in the Experiential Engineering Building," said Muma. "Royce has been a great colleague and he will be missed. We wish him well."

"I have especially enjoyed my service to Wichita State," said Bowden. "I am grateful to have had the opportunity to help the students, faculty, staff and administration advance the College of Engineering. I am most proud of their work in four key strategic areas over the past four-and-a-half years."

• Hiring 35 new topflight faculty members, with several searches underway.
• Increasing the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded annually by 47 percent (from 210 to 309 degrees) and the number of Ph.D. degrees awarded annually by 53 percent (from 15 to 23 degrees).
• Increasing the amount of world-class space supporting the university's engineering education and research by about 156,000 square feet in two new buildings. Also, launching a five-year renovation of an existing building.
• Raising over $21 million in gifts and pledges to enhance student and faculty success by expanding, for example, scholarships, chair positions and facilities.

"I am proud to be a Shocker and will forever cheer for Wichita State's continued success," said Bowden.