Announcement of Dr. Adam Rengstorf as Associate Dean

Adam Rengstorf has been appointed as the new Associate Dean of the College of Engineering and Sciences, effective September 1.

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to share that Dr. Adam Rengstorf has been appointed as the new Associate Dean of the College of Engineering and Sciences, effective September 1.

Dr. Rengstorf has been part of Purdue University Northwest since 2005, when he joined the Department of Chemistry and Physics as an Assistant Professor of physics and astronomy. He has served in numerous leadership roles, including Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics, as well as Faculty Fellow in the Honors College, the CES Dean’s Office, and the Graduate Studies Office. He is also Director of the Northwest Indiana Robotic Observatory, where he provides students with hands-on training in astronomy research.

During his time as chair, Dr. Rengstorf led a strong recruitment and retention campaign, modernized the computer teaching lab, created new student resource spaces, and oversaw the development of the forensics teaching lab. Even in a time of budget challenges, he prioritized student success, ensuring undergraduates had opportunities to present their research at national and regional conferences.

As Dr. Rengstorf shared, “The best part of being chair was helping our faculty set up their labs, secure grants, and earn recognition, while also supporting our students as they presented research, pursued advanced degrees, and launched their careers. I look forward to continuing that same advocacy at the college level as Associate Dean.”

As Associate Dean, Dr. Rengstorf will work with me to help advance our strategic plan for a sustainable and thriving future. His responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Support & Collaboration
  Supporting college priorities, helping with strategic planning and policy and representing CES in university initiatives.
• Academic Program Oversight
  Working with department chairs and faculty to strengthen programs, align with accreditation standards and support continuous improvement.
• Student Success & Engagement
  Partnering with faculty and staff to promote retention, persistence, experiential learning and student achievement.
• Faculty Support & Development
  Assisting with recruitment, mentoring and professional growth across all career stages.
• Research & Graduate Education
  Encouraging faculty and student research, supporting interdisciplinary collaborations and strengthening graduate programs.
• External Engagement & Operations
  Building relationships with alumni, industry, and community partners, while also assisting with operational committees and serving as Acting Dean when needed.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Rengstorf on his new role. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to elevate CES as the region’s STEM capacity builder and a model for academic excellence.

To ensure a smooth transition during these challenging times, Dr. Nicoleta Tarfulea has graciously accepted the role of Interim Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Physics. An internal search for the next permanent chair has already begun, and we will keep the college informed as that process unfolds.

Sincerely,

José Rafael Sánchez, Ph.D.
Dean | College of Engineering and Sciences
Director | School of Engineering