The University of Arkansas - Fort Smith has appointed Dr. Mauricio Torres as the new head of the Engineering Department. Torres, who brings extensive experience in engineering education and curriculum development, will assume his new role immediately.

Torres joins UAFS from Indiana Institute of Technology, where he served as associate dean of the Talwar College of Engineering and Computer Sciences. With over a decade of experience in academia and industry, Torres has a proven track record of developing engineering programs, including launching new bachelor’s degree programs in mechanical, electrical, computer, and industrial engineering.

“Dr. Torres is a welcome and exceptional addition to our academic leadership team in the College of Business and Industry at UAFS,” said dean Dr. Latisha Settlage. “As a seasoned higher education leader with experience in engineering curriculum development and accreditation, as well as a professional background in manufacturing, Dr. Torres was the perfect choice to lead the engineering department and the design of a new degree in advanced manufacturing engineering.”   

Torres expressed his excitement about joining UAFS, noting the opportunity to advance the department’s mission. "The position of Department Head of Engineering offers the perfect opportunity for the implementation of a renewed vision for the future, which encompasses a department driven by exceptional faculty and staff, promotes innovative programs, is a powerhouse of opportunities for a diverse and talented students' body, addresses retention issues and establishes relationships with industry and businesses in the region," he said. "I am eager to lead a department that will provide accessible and contemporary education, promoting the acquisition of knowledge with the support of experiential learning opportunities, enabling graduates to achieve their full professional, personal, and economic potential."

Torres aims to set ambitious goals for the Engineering Department at UAFS in his new role, especially around advanced manufacturing. “For the new Advanced Manufacturing Program, curriculum development, staffing, securing laboratory spaces, and obtaining funding for equipment and faculty development are top priorities,” Torres said. He also plans to work closely with UAFS’s marketing and admissions departments to establish a recruitment plan and drive enrollment. “Planning for ABET accreditation is also essential,” he added. For existing programs, Torres will focus on reviewing the curriculum for potential improvements and pursuing ABET accreditation for all programs.

Torres emphasized the importance of collaboration with industry partners in developing and operating UAFS engineering programs. "Programs should be tuned to provide graduates with the right tools to succeed, in line with the needs of local and regional economies," he said. "Collaboration with industry and other stakeholders is of fundamental importance to guide curriculum development and to support instructional activities."

During his hiring process, Torres had the chance to meet with the university’s Advanced Manufacturing Advisory Board and tour local manufacturing facilities. "The interactions with industry representatives in these meetings made it clear that they are invested in supporting UAFS in developing the new advanced manufacturing engineering program," he said. "Their enthusiasm was really encouraging, which makes leading the new engineering department at the College of Business and Industry a very enticing task."

Settlage added, “The College of Business and Industry is grateful for the continued support of the Advanced Manufacturing Advisory Board. From sharing input on skills needed to advance the employability and success of future engineering graduates to committing support for faculty, leadership, and the sustainability of future programs, the board models partnership between higher education and industry in the very best way.”

Torres also noted that the regional economy is particularly appealing, as the manufacturing sector in Arkansas has shown significant growth. "According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2016 to 2021, the manufacturing GDP growth in Arkansas was approximately 15%, which is aligned with the U.S. GDP growth," he explained. "The effects in the Fort Smith job market are evident, with an increase of approximately 7% in the manufacturing sector alone during the last 10 years. All indicators suggest that this trend will continue in the foreseeable future." He believes this growth presents a unique opportunity for UAFS to meet the increasing demand for engineering and manufacturing graduates.