Mingyan Liu, currently an associate dean at University of Michigan Engineering, has been named the Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering, taking office on May 15, 2026. Liu holds the T.C. Chang Professor of Engineering title as well and is a respected researcher in electrical engineering and computer science.
Laurie McCauley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, praised Liu saying, “Mingyan Liu has earned the trust and respect of colleagues across her field and across the university.” Liu succeeds Karen A. Thole, who resigned to lead Penn State’s new National Security Institute. Liu’s appointment, extending through July 31, 2029, will be reviewed at the Board of Regents meeting on May 21.
Since June 2023, Liu has led the College of Engineering as associate dean for academic affairs, focusing on faculty recruiting, mentoring, tenure, and academic resource planning. Her past role as chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering saw the launch of a new master’s program with specializations in machine learning, autonomous systems, and microelectronics.
Her initiatives have addressed faculty equity, policy development, and mid-career coaching. Liu expressed, “In some sense, I feel like I grew up here. This is my home.”
Amid challenges like federal funding threats and AI integration, Liu emphasizes the role of Michigan Engineering as a leader in public higher education. “It’s critically important that a college like Michigan Engineering…actively engage and help set key agenda items,” she stated, expressing confidence in the faculty, staff, and students.
With expertise in areas like game theory and performance modeling, Liu’s recent research focuses on cybersecurity, using machine learning for cyber risk quantification and developing incentive mechanisms for better security practices. She co-founded QuadMetrics Inc., advancing predictive cybersecurity analytics.
Liu’s accolades include the NSF CAREER Award and the Distinguished University Innovator Award. She holds a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Maryland and a B.S. from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
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