Dr. Xudong Jia to lead School of Engineering, Science, and Technology

Following a competitive national search, Central Connecticut State University announces the appointment of Dr. Xudong Jia as the next dean of the School of Engineering, Science, and Technology. He will officially begin his tenure at Central on Friday, Aug. 22. 

Jia brings 30 years of experience as a teacher-scholar and researcher to Central. He has held positions as a professor and chair of Civil Engineering Department at Cal Poly Pomona and, most recently, as associate dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at California State University, Northridge. 

Throughout his career, Jia has been instrumental in shaping numerous transportation policies and engineering advancements. Among his most significant contributions is the development of one of Southern California’s first earthquake early warning systems in 2000, recognized by U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer as a life-saving innovation. 

“Dr. Jia’s proven leadership, collaborative approach, and track record of impactful scientific contributions make him exceptionally well-positioned to guide the School of Engineering, Science, and Technology forward as we prepare graduates to meet the needs of the evolving workforce,” says Dr. Kimberly T. Kostelis, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs.

Jia also created a ranking-based financial model for traffic safety improvements that was adopted by the California Office of Traffic Safety and designed and implemented a GPS-based bus shuttle system, recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation as a scalable solution for small to mid-sized transit systems nationwide. 

“I am so honored to join Central Connecticut State University as the dean of the School of Engineering, Science, and Technology,” says Jia. “I look forward to working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to cultivate innovation for institutional impact, advance interdisciplinary research and creative activities, foster thriving communities, and trailblaze academic programs and partnerships that prepare future leaders to address the complex challenges of our time.”