The Iowa State University College of Engineering has named Jim Kurtenbach the college’s associate dean for administration, effective January 11.
In this newly created position, Kurtenbach will guide the college’s information technology, distance education, personnel, and financial operations. Kurtenbach is also an associate professor of accounting at Iowa State and will retain his ties with the College of Business.
“I look forward to working with Jim and to the experience and insight that he will bring to the engineering college,” said Jonathan Wickert, dean of engineering. “I also welcome this synergy with the College of Business.”
Kurtenbach, who served two terms in the Iowa House of Representatives, is an expert in the field of financial accounting and has extensive experience with information systems. Aside from his experience as a faculty member, he has served as chief financial officer for a materials and chemicals company, managing its transition from an investor-supported organization through sale to an international chemical company.
Kurtenbach has also served as the chief executive officer and board member for an animation firm that specializes in scientifically accurate portrayals for courtroom litigation and biotechnology applications and held officer positions in the construction industry. He has also served on the executive committee of the Des Moines Chapter of the Construction Financial Management Association.
“I’m excited to join the College of Engineering,” Kurtenbach said, “and to participate in the development of a long-term strategy that ensures the college’s position among the premier engineering colleges in the world.”
In this new role, Kurtenbach joins the college leadership team of Wickert; Diane Rover, associate dean for academic and student affairs; Balaji Narasimhan, associate dean for research and graduate studies; Derrick Rollins, assistant dean for diversity; and Ron Cox, assistant dean for economic development.
Loren Zachary, formerly assistant dean for engineering distance education, has returned to full-time teaching as a faculty member in aerospace engineering.
Contacts:
Jonathan Wickert, College of Engineering, 515 294-9988, wickert@iastate.edu
Jim Kurtenbach, College of Engineering, 515 294-9994, jmk@iastate.edu
Eric Dieterle, Engineering Communications, 515 294-4881, dieterle@iastate.edu