LEXINGTON, Ky. — Rudolph G. Buchheit, Ph.D., is resigning as dean of the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky to become executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Cincinnati, effective June 1, according to UK News.

In his new role, Buchheit will serve as the university's chief academic officer, overseeing colleges and academic operations while advancing strategic priorities in teaching, research and student success. He departs UK after leading significant expansions and improvements at the engineering college.

Buchheit became the 11th dean of the Pigman College of Engineering on July 1, 2018. During his tenure, he launched new undergraduate programs in biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering and artificial intelligence, and established the Department of Engineering Technology. The college also doubled its annual research expenditures to nearly $60 million and secured more than $165 million in campaign commitments.

Under his leadership, the college recruited 75 tenure-track faculty members and participated in a $50 million multi-institutional collaboration in additive manufacturing. The college also revitalized the Grehan Building and formally adopted the name Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering.

"This is a bittersweet moment. I have learned a great deal and built lasting friendships with our faculty, staff, students and alumni," Buchheit said. "I'm proud of all the college has accomplished and of the way it has been accomplished — with character, passion and commitment."

Buchheit earned his bachelor's degree from Loyola University Maryland and master's and doctoral degrees in materials science from the University of Virginia. He previously served as chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Ohio State University from 2006 to 2014 and worked as a senior technical staff member at Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico.

UK Provost Robert DiPaola praised Buchheit's contributions, noting his role in creating new academic pathways and degrees, including a program in artificial intelligence. The Office of the Provost will issue a call for nominations for an interim dean and advisory committee members, with a nomination deadline of April 24.