College of Science and Engineering Dean Selection

After careful consideration of all the feedback from faculty and staff, an offer was extended and accepted for the position of dean for the College of Science and Engineering by James M. Widmann, Ph.D. Dr. Widmann is currently a professor of mechanical engineering at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. 

Widmann received his undergraduate degree from Michigan Technological University, and a masters and Ph.D. from Stanford University, all in mechanical engineering. He also has eight years of industry experience in the automotive, aerospace and machine tool industries that inform his teaching and research. 

His interests are in mechanical design processes, fluid power control and engineering education where he has received over $2 million in grant funding from the National Science Foundation for this work. Widmann has numerous publications related to student learning and enhancing student success. His current project examines the interplay between student cognitive and non-cognitive factors that impact students thriving in STEM. At Cal Poly, he has taught 15 different courses in mechanics and design, including the development of an interdisciplinary, industry-sponsored senior design project course open to all students in the college.  

Beyond his teaching and research, Widmann has served Cal Poly in leadership roles as director of the General Engineering Program and the chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department, the largest on campus with over 70 faculty and staff and over 1300 students. He led the department through a period of rapid growth in enrollment and personnel while significantly improving graduation rates and increasing research opportunities for faculty and students. He is active professionally in ASEE where he served as the chair of the Design in Engineering Education Division. 

President Robert Wagner said, “Dr. Widmann brings a long record of successful leadership to Idaho State University.  He understands how to balance institutional, departmental and student needs, and I am confident he will help sustain the College of Science and Engineering’s significant record of achievement in research and student learning.”

Speaking of Dr. Widmann’s teaching and research, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Adam Bradford said, “I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Widmann to Idaho State University.  His experience conducting impactful research and in translating that research into appreciable learning experiences for the students in his programs blends the key tenets of our institutional missions, and makes him a natural fit for this position.” 

For his work, Widmann has been awarded Best Paper and Best Presentation awards at ASEE, the Cal Poly “Learn by Doing” Awards for both Teaching and Research, the SWE “Most Supportive” professor award and was named a Fulbright Scholar at Kathmandu University in Nepal.

Widmann said, “I am extremely excited by the opportunity to join the Idaho State College of Science and Engineering. The strength and commitment of its faculty and staff to its education and research missions are clear. I am humbled to be part of the positive impact they have on their students, the state of Idaho and our nation through their hard work and dedication," he added. 

Widmann will begin working at ISU on August 1, 2025. President Wagner and Provost Adam Bradford extend their gratitude for the search committee's commitment throughout the extensive search process, and for all who took time to hear from the candidates and provide feedback.