A new head for the department of electrical and computer engineering has been selected.
James Harden was officially named the department head after holding the post on an interim basis for a year.
“He did an outstanding job as the interim head,” said A. Wayne Bennett, dean of the Bagley College of Engineering.
Bennett said the position was made available after Harden’s predecessor, Marshall Molen, assumed the Ergon Diversified Technology Distinguished Professorship in 2002.
James Fowler, an associate professor in the electrical and computer engineering department, said he believed appointing Harden was a step forward for the department.
“I think Dr. Harden has some visions for the department that will be very beneficial to its growth,” Fowler said.
Harden said he would like to increase the level of research within his department and improve its retention. He would also like to increase the enrollment within the electrical and computer engineering program, which is one of the largest programs in the university.
Bennett said that Harden has industrial experience, as well as experience within the university as a teacher and researcher.
Harden, who received a bachelor’s degree from MSU in 1965, went on to receive a master’s degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1966 and then a doctoral degree from Texas A&M University in 1985.
In addition to his academic degrees, Harden said he has conducted research at MSU and was also involved in the accreditation of the department.
“I’m just trying to serve the department and help it grow,” Harden said.
Harden added that he felt the previous department heads have had a long history of serving the students, and he wishes to continue this tradition.
Bennett said Harden was officially appointed as the new head of the department on Oct. 16.
“I’m excited about working with Jim [Harden],” Bennett said. “He’s a wonderful guy.”