North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University Provost Tonya Smith-Jackson and the UNC Greensboro Provost Debbie Storrs are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Mitch Croatt as Interim Dean of the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering (JSNN) effective May 1, 2024. Dean Sherine Obare will continue to serve as Dean of the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering until May 1, 2024, when she transitions to UNCG’s Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement.
“JSNN is a unique partnership between our two institutions, with burgeoning discoveries occurring across disciplines,” UNCG Provost Debbie Storrs said. “Dr. Croatt brings his strong leadership in research, graduate education, and excellence in teaching to JSNN, and I am confident the School’s legacy of innovation and excellence will continue under his oversight.”
“This appointment marks a significant milestone in our collaborative journey with the unique partnership between our two esteemed institutions,” said Smith-Jackson. “JSNN stands as a beacon of interdisciplinary excellence, where the fusion of knowledge from North Carolina A&T and the broader academic community has sparked a surge of burgeoning discoveries across disciplines. Croatt’s leadership will undoubtedly propel JSNN to new heights, fostering innovation and shaping the future of nanoscience and nanoengineering through collaborative endeavors and groundbreaking research.”
Croatt earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Minnesota and his doctorate in chemistry from Standford University. Since joining UNCG in 2010, Croatt has a distinguished record of teaching, service, research, and leadership. Croatt has served as Department Head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for six years and holds the Marie Foscue Rourk Distinguished Professorship. He was also awarded the UNCG research award in 2018 and the UNCG teaching excellence award in 2014. During his tenure as Department Head, he has successfully supported the promotion and tenure of faculty peers, engaged in student success initiatives, and supported faculty research leading to an increase of 24 percent in external awards. Croatt has also maintained his own research activity focused on solving problems of significant synthetic, material, environmental, and medicinal natures, collaboratively securing $2.9M in external funding with his research group.
An advocate of diversity, equity, and inclusion, his leadership on several DEI related initiatives and activities led to his department’s selection for a nationwide DEI award from the American Chemical Society in 2023.
“I am thrilled to step into the role of Interim Dean of JSNN. Under the leadership of Obare, the School has been taken to the next level and I hope to continue to support the school during this transition,” Croatt said.
In light of Croatt’s accomplishments, Provosts Smith-Jackson and Storrs have great confidence in his leadership and appreciate his willingness to serve as interim dean.
A nationwide search for the dean of JSNN will commence in the Fall of 2024.
