June 25, 2025
On June 25, 2025, Dean Nancy Allbritton shared the following announcement with the College of Engineering community:
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Nance as chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChemE). This is a five-year term effective September 1, 2025, subject to the approval of the Provost.
Elizabeth Nance
Elizabeth’s appointment reflects her exceptional record of research, education, and leadership. As Associate Chair of Undergraduate Studies in ChemE, Elizabeth led strategic efforts to expand the undergraduate program and improve accessibility and diversity, achieving national recognition from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Her pioneering work in nanomedicine and pediatric brain disease has earned national and international recognition, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), election as a Fellow of the Controlled Release Society, and numerous invited lectureships. She has raised over $9 million in direct research funding and mentored more than 80 students in her lab, many of whom have gone on to impactful careers in academia and industry. She is also Editor-in-Chief of Bioengineering & Translational Medicine and holds affiliate appointments in Bioengineering, Radiology, the eScience Institute, and the Institute on Human Development and Disability.
I am confident that under Elizabeth’s leadership, ChemE will continue its excellent upward trajectory. Over the search process Elizabeth’s authentic commitment to collaboration and inclusive excellence shone through. She articulated a vision for the department to expand interdisciplinary education, strengthen industry partnerships, enhance ChemE’s national profile, and focus on leadership development and mentorship of faculty and staff.
I’d like to express my sincere appreciation for the work of the search committee, chaired by Di Xiao (MSE), and including David Beck, Debbie Carnes, Shachi Mittal and Dan Schwartz as ChemE representatives, Ashleigh Theberge (Chemistry), Emily Thurston (Advancement), Andy Walker (GentiBio, and President of ChemE’s External Advisory Board), with support from Stephanie Love (MSE). They did an excellent job engaging the department and community in the search. Many thanks to all who participated in the search process and provided valuable feedback.
Finally, I would like to thank and recognize James Carothers for his dedicated service as interim chair of ChemE for the past two years. Under James’ leadership, the department hired fantastic new faculty, raised major gifts for faculty and facilities support, and expanded undergraduate and graduate enrollment and programs. Elizabeth and James will work together closely in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.
Please join me in congratulating Elizabeth on her appointment.