Kurt Paterson
Kurt Paterson has served as head of the engineering department at James Madison University (JMU) since 2013. Launched in 2008, the engineering program is a collaborative effort among faculty, students & stakeholders to deliver a 21st century engineering education for 21st century needs by integrating curricular, co-curricular, environmental, and cultural elements. JMU’s engineering program was recently invited to join the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network and the National Academy of Engineering’s Grand Challenge Scholars Program, building on the department’s mission of developing project-ready engineers through responsible innovation. He is currently helping create a network to connect the nation’s engineering department heads and chairs. He earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Iowa. Kurt lives in Harrisonburg, Virginia with his wife and two young daughters, who provide constant demonstrations of curiosity, creativity, and the joys of learning.
