Rich Corsi has been reappointed for a second five-year term as Dean of the College of Engineering, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Mary Croughan announced today (Sept. 1). Corsi, a professor of civil and environmental engineering, also conducts research on indoor air quality and reduction of human exposure to pollutants originating indoors and outdoors.

“Rich is an engaged, dedicated leader who is sincerely invested in the success of our students, faculty, and staff in the College of Engineering,” said Croughan. “He has established a strong sense of community and a shared understanding that what every person does truly matters. Through transparency, intention, and sincere caring, Rich has earned the respect and trust of individuals in the college, the campus community, and beyond.” 

The review committee unanimously recommended Corsi’s reappointment, recognizing his dedication to servant leadership and his strategic, collaborative, and student-centered approach. 

Since joining UC Davis, Corsi has led the creation of the college’s Next Level strategic vision and aligned budgetary decisions with its three pillars: education, research, and community. He has increased research and hands-on learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. During his first term, the college expanded its Master of Engineering degree programs, including three to be offered online. Three additional master’s degree programs are in development, all designed to serve students and workforce needs. 

Reviewers also recognized Corsi for his commitment to faculty recruitment, development, and institutional growth. He welcomed 52 new faculty members, including highly talented early-career scholars whose expertise will contribute to the college’s long-term excellence. Reviewers noted that he is transparent, invites broad participation in decision-making, and cultivates investment in the college’s collective success. 

Described by reviewers as a “consummate communicator,” Corsi increased the college’s visibility through newsletters, videos, social media, and public outreach. His candid, clear, and collaborative approach highlights faculty accomplishments, strengthens engagement, and enhances recruitment.

“Rich made community one of the three pillars in his strategic vision because he recognizes and values the service, collaboration, and sense of shared purpose he sees in his colleagues in the College of Engineering,” said Croughan. “He has inspired people to pursue audacious goals and seek new frontiers in their research and teaching.”

During his first four years as dean, the college increased research expenditures by 60 percent. It also surpassed its Expect Greater campaign goal by $31.5 million, raising $131.55 million from more than 5,500 donors. The Diane Bryant Engineering Student Design Center and the Coffee Center opened during his first term, both funded through philanthropy. Donors also established more than 110 scholarships with $20 million in new funding and contributed nearly $24 million to support innovative faculty research.

Corsi came to UC Davis in 2021 from Portland State University, where he led the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science for three years. He previously spent 24 years at the University of Texas at Austin, serving in several leadership roles, including department chair and co-director of the Center for Sustainable Development. An Aggie alumnus, Corsi earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in civil and environmental engineering at UC Davis after receiving his bachelor’s degree from Humboldt State University, now known as Cal Poly Humboldt.

“I feel deeply honored and privileged to be reappointed as Dean of the College of Engineering, to which I have a sincere commitment as a double alumnus,” said Corsi. “I am proud that, together, our community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners have continued to lift the stature of a great college and the impact of our research and education efforts.”