J. Murray Gibson, dean of the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, today announced his plans to step down in December to spend the last years of his career as a faculty member in the college carrying out research, teaching and service.
Gibson joined the college as dean on July 1, 2016. He led during a period of remarkable growth in the college and its external reputation. The college jumped up 51 points in rankings last year and is now the second-highest ranked engineering school in Florida, according to US News and World Report.
“There has been real growth in the college in the last five years, fueled by the strong support of both FAMU and FSU, and the State of Florida University System,” Gibson said. “It has been my passion and privilege to serve as dean of this unique and powerful institution.”
Gibson received his doctorate and emigrated to the United States in 1978. In the course of his career, he has held research, teaching and management positions in higher education and industry.
“During my long career, I have enjoyed the challenges and opportunities of each position. However, none has seemed so significant or been as rewarding as leading this college,” he said. “The partnership at the core of our college is a powerful win-win for our parent universities—and for our state. We lead the nation in combining excellence in research and education with diversity and social mobility. I am confident that the robust growth of the college will continue into the future.”
Officially, the dean of the joint college is a FAMU employee who reports to the provosts of both FAMU and FSU. In anticipation of Gibson stepping down in December, the universities will jointly identify an interim dean for the college and initiate a search for his successor. Gibson will take a sabbatical to reinvigorate his research and then return to the college as a faculty member in mechanical engineering.