The Georgia Institute of Technology has selected Gary May, professor and executive assistant to Georgia Tech President Wayne Clough, to be the new Steve W. Chaddick Chair for the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). He will start as chair on May 1, assuming the duties of Roger Webb, who retired in December.

"I am very gratified by the confidence shown by College of Engineering Dean Don Giddens, the search committee and my colleagues in selecting me to lead the School of ECE," May said. "I am also humbled by the prospect of following in the footsteps of Roger Webb, whom I very much admire and respect, but excited by the challenges and opportunities that this new appointment entails."

The School of Electrical and Computer Engineering is one of Georgia Tech's largest schools, with more than 130 academic and research faculty members and 2,300 students at all degree levels. U.S. News & World Report recently ranked both of Tech's programs (electrical and computer) sixth in the nation.

May earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Tech in 1985, moving on to the University of California at Berkeley for his master's and doctoral degrees. He returned to Georgia Tech as an assistant professor in 1991 and accepted the Motorola Foundation Professorship in 2001.

In addition to his teaching and research career, May has gradually become more active as an administrator. For the past three years, May has served as executive assistant to the president, acting as President Clough's chief liaison both on and off campus.

May has also been intimately involved in developing programs aimed at increasing the number of minority students who pursue advanced degrees. Two such programs - the Summer Undergraduate Research in Engineering/Science (SURE) program and the Facilitating Academic Careers in Engineering and Science (FACES) program - have secured more than $11 million from the National Science Foundation.

Giddens said the breadth of his leadership experience made him the ideal choice.
"In his professional life, Gary May has demonstrated insight and commitment," said Giddens. "Not only has he amassed an impressive research and teaching record, but also he has dedicated himself to mentor and encourage students to earn advanced degrees and pursue careers in academia. Moreover, he has tirelessly represented his School, College and Institute with good humor and class. With thanks to the search committee for its effort, we are privileged to have Gary serve as the new chair of ECE."

President Clough thanked May for his service and counsel as his executive assistant, and congratulated him on his new appointment.

"Gary has proven himself to be an outstanding mentor, a first-rate researcher and an excellent member of my staff," Clough said. "While we will miss his daily presence, his leadership of ECE will be exceedingly important for the future of the College of Engineering and Georgia Tech. I'm very proud of his accomplishments on behalf of the President's Office and know that his best days are ahead. We're very fortunate to have someone of Gary's caliber follow in the sizeable footsteps of Roger Webb."

In the coming months, President Clough will appoint May's successor as executive assistant, initiating the transition process and the transfer of duties.