Vito is a professor in the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at Tech and Sainfort is a professor in the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering.

In making the announcement Giddens said "Drs. Vito and Sainfort will each be one-half time in the Dean's Office and will devote one-half time to research, teaching and other academic duties in their respective schools."

Giddens cited a need for the College of Engineering to take a more active leadership role in engineering education, faculty career development and the pursuit of interdisciplinary research.

He said he believes these appointments are the beginning of that effort.