Lewis to become new dean of ECU’s College of Engineering and Technology

Lewis to become new dean of ECU's College of Engineering and Technology

GREENVILLE, N.C. (4/24/2026) - The East Carolina University Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Dr. Phil Lewis as dean of the College of Engineering and Technology during its meeting April 24.

Lewis, who grew up in Zebulon, comes to ECU from Texas A&M University, where he served as a professor and head of the Department of Construction Science in the College of Architecture. He will start on July 1.

"I am excited to welcome Dr. Lewis to ECU," said Dr. Chris Buddo, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. "With deep roots in North Carolina, he understands the important role that ECU plays in serving our region; he is already well connected with many of our industry partners; and his academic background, research expertise and administrative experience will position him well to lead the College of Engineering and Technology into a bright new future."

Buddo also acknowledged the work of Dr. Stephanie George, an engineering professor who has served as interim dean since the Aug. 1 retirement of Dr. Harry Ploehn.

"I also want to thank Dr. George for her work in leading CET over the past academic year," he said. "Her steady hand and engagement with our students, faculty, staff and alumni have been crucial factors in building the momentum necessary to keep the college moving forward during this time of transition."

Lewis attended North Carolina State University, earning a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, master's degree in management and doctoral degree in civil engineering. His doctoral research was on pollutant emissions from heavy duty diesel construction equipment.

His academic career spans 20 years, with teaching and research positions at N.C. State, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M. Lewis has secured 21 research grants and contracts totaling more than $4.1 million during that time and has roughly 130 journal papers, conference papers, technical reports and invited presentations based on his research.

Lewis was part of a team that received a five-year, $2 million workforce development grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The grant aimed to build pathways to infrastructure jobs through a partnership that includes Texas A&M, Prairie View A&M, private general contractors and trade unions.

Lewis spearheaded the creation of a Doctor of Philosophy degree in construction science at Texas A&M. He also served as chair or co-chair for 20 master's thesis and doctoral dissertation students, and advised nearly 200 graduate students in other advisory committee roles.

He oversaw a budget of more than $7.5 million for the Department of Construction Science, which has seen 20% growth in student enrollment over the past five years.

Before shifting to education in 2005, Lewis worked 14 years in the construction and engineering industries, which included five years with the N.C. Department of Transportation and nine years with Steel Dynamics, a Raleigh general contractor for commercial buildings.

ECU's College of Engineering and Technology consists of four academic departments - computer science, construction management, engineering and technology systems - as well as the Student Success Center, Eastern Region Pharma Center and the Center for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering. Enrolling nearly 3,000 students, the college offers nine baccalaureate and six master's degree programs in high-demand STEM disciplines, plus a Ph.D. program in technology management via a multi-university consortium. The college's bachelor's in industrial technology (BSIT) program is ECU's largest online program and enrolls the UNC System's largest contingent of military-affiliated students.

Contact: Ken Buday, public communications specialist, [email protected]

Telephone: 252-737-5461

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About East Carolina University

Founded in 1907 as a teacher's college, East Carolina University (ECU) is a Carnegie R1 designated research institution that is a national model for student success, public service and regional transformation. ECU is a member of the University of North Carolina System and serves nearly 27,000 students through more than 160 degree programs. The university advances innovation and discovery in health care, coastal resilience, education and regional economic growth. Located in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU is committed to being a national leader in community-focused innovation, bringing meaningful impact across the state and nation.

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