University News

Clayton Ray Diez has been named chair of WIU's engineering technology department; Diez started his duties on July 1.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

Diez Named Chair of Engineering Technology Dept.

July 9, 2009

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University's College of Business and Technology (CBT) is pleased to announce that Clayton Ray Diez has been named chair of WIU's engineering technology department; Diez started his duties on July 1.

Before coming to Western, Diez served as a department chair, assistant and associate professor and lead instructor in the University of North Dakota's technology department; he also served as an international visiting professor at National Kaohsiung Normal University in Taiwan.

"I'm pleased that Ray has joined WIU as the new leader for the engineering technology department," said CBT Dean Tom Erekson. "He has the vision and experience to move the department forward."

During his 24 years at the University of North Dakota, Diez was responsible for the initiation of the occupational safety and environmental health degree program; he taught undergraduate courses in manufacturing, including in production processes, product research and development, industrial materials, materials testing and cost estimating, as well as in occupational safety and environmental health (industrial safety, emergency response, fire safety, construction safety and industrial hygiene); served as the graduate program coordinator, as adviser for master's candidates and on numerous doctoral committees for University of North Dakota's educational leadership program.

Diez's service record includes working with small business and industry to improve processes and develop new products; serving on and chairing college and university committees; and serving and chairing boards of directors for national and international organizations. His research focuses on how K-16 students incorporate the principles of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for problem solving; he is also currently collaborating with researchers in Taiwan on a five-year research project.

"I am looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead and working with faculty and staff in the engineering technology department," Diez said. "I hope to help engineering technology students grow into professionals who will come back to share their expertise, experiences and leadership with the department and Western."

Diez earned his bachelor's degree in industrial arts and master's degree in industrial education from Wayne State College in Nebraska and his doctoral degree in industrial technology from the University of Northern Iowa.

Posted By: Teresa Koltzenburg (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing