Valparaiso University Appoints Dean to College of Engineering

February 14, 2022 – Valparaiso, Indiana – Valparaiso University announces Doug Tougaw ’05 MBA, Ph.D., P.E., will be the next dean of the College of Engineering, effective immediately. Tougaw has served in the role in an interim capacity since Feb. 15, 2021.

In his role, Dean Tougaw is responsible for the strategic leadership, coordination and guidance of the College of Engineering. Tougaw joined the Valparaiso University faculty in 1996 as an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering and served as the chair of that department from 2001 to 2010 and from 2016 to 2020.

“I am grateful for the continued leadership Dean Tougaw brings to the College of Engineering as he seeks to build upon an established tradition of excellence,” said Eric W. Johnson ’87, Ph.D. “Dean Tougaw brings an enthusiasm to his vocation as an educator and embodies the University’s mission to prepare women and men who serve with leadership and integrity throughout the world. It is a joy to work alongside him.”

Under Tougaw’s leadership as interim dean, Valpo’s nationally ranked College of Engineering was honored as a national leader in program diversity by the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE). The distinction publicly recognizes engineering and engineering technology programs that make significant, measurable progress in increasing diversity, inclusion and degree attainment outcomes.

“It is an honor to continue serving Valparaiso University and the College of Engineering,” Tougaw said. “I look forward to collaborating with our faculty and staff to lead the initiatives and world-class programs that our engineering alumni know well, so that generations of future Valpo engineers can make their mark on the world.”
Tougaw received the Valparaiso University Alumni Association Distinguished Teaching award in 2006 and the Valparaiso University Excellence in Teaching Award in 2015. He was responsible for bringing a link of Order of the Engineer and a chapter of Eta Kappa Nu, the honor society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), to the University.

Tougaw has developed and taught courses in Fundamentals of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Creativity and Innovation, Engineering Ethics, Engineering Finance, Embedded Microcontrollers, Digital Communication, Electromagnetic Field Theory and Entrepreneurship. His research interests include nanotechnology and engineering pedagogy.

Tougaw is a member of the American Society for Engineering Education, IEEE, Tau Beta Pi, Order of the Engineer and Eta Kappa Nu. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame in 1995 and his MBA from Valparaiso University in 2005. He also holds an M.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a master of higher education administration from North Park University.