Miguel Mostafá, Ph.D, joined the School of Science and Engineering as dean in June.

He previously was the dean of the College of Science and Technology at Temple University. As he begins his first year at UMKC, Mostafá shares what drew him to the university and his vision for the School of Science and Engineering.

1. What attracted you to the UMKC School of Science and Engineering?

What attracted me most was how closely UMKC's mission aligned with my leadership philosophy. The university's focus on student success, interdisciplinary research and community engagement are areas I've dedicated my career to for more than 20 years. I was also drawn to the opportunities that come with being part of a major research university in Kansas City. The School of Science and Engineering’s strong connections to the Kansas City community create meaningful opportunities for students through various internships, research experiences and professional opportunities. Combined with UMKC's Carnegie R1 research status, those strengths create an environment where students can learn from leading researchers while engaging with real-world challenges. Ultimately, I saw an opportunity to make a meaningful, long-term impact in a university and community that strongly supports that vision.

2. What are your priorities for your first year as dean, and how do you plan to build on SSE's strengths?

I'm especially looking forward to meeting our students. Interacting with students is one of the most rewarding parts of higher education, and it's something I've made a priority throughout my career. Even as dean at my previous institution, I continued teaching because having the opportunity to directly interact with students allowed me to better understand them and how we can best support their success. My first year will also be focused on listening and learning. Every institution has its own culture and strengths, so it's important to understand the people and opportunities that already exist before making changes.

I'm also looking forward to building partnerships across various academic units. Universities can sometimes operate in silos, with people focused primarily on their own academic disciplines or units. I believe we make the most progress when we work together, so I'm excited to collaborate with fellow deans and colleagues on initiatives that bring different areas of expertise together.

I'm also excited about improving and developing programs that align with student interests and workforce needs. Recent additions such as the Bachelor of architecture, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in biomedical engineering and Master of Science in artificial intelligence reflect both the opportunities in the workforce and the future of science and engineering.

3. You trained as a physicist before moving into academic leadership. How has that scientific background influenced your career?

My undergraduate degree is in nuclear engineering, and I earned my Ph.D. in physics, so I’m naturally a data-driven person. Whether we're talking about enrollment, student success, program development or research growth, my first instinct is always to look at the data. I want to understand what's happening, identify trends and make decisions based on evidence rather than assumptions.

That mindset influences every aspect of my work. As we think about new programs and future opportunities, I want to understand the landscape. How many similar programs exist? What are national trends? What are students interested in studying, and what careers are available to them after graduation? The data helps us make informed decisions and position ourselves for success.

4. What has been your first impression of UMKC and Kansas City?

My first impression has been incredibly positive. I had lived in the Midwest before, so I've really enjoyed being back and appreciate the pace of life in Kansas City. I've also been enjoying the city itself, from the food to the welcoming atmosphere. As someone from Argentina, I can certainly appreciate a place that takes its barbecue seriously.

But more than anything, I've been impressed by the people. From the moment I arrived, everyone at UMKC has been incredibly welcoming, supportive and generous with their time. University leaders, faculty and staff have all made me feel at home. The support I've received has exceeded my expectations, and I'm excited about what we can accomplish together.

5. What qualities do you think today's science and engineering students need to succeed in a rapidly changing world?

That's a fantastic question because it's something higher education is grappling with every day, especially as artificial intelligence continues to transform how we learn and work.

If I had to choose one quality, it would be critical thinking. AI can be a powerful tool, but it cannot replace human judgment, curiosity and the ability to evaluate information thoughtfully. Universities have a responsibility to develop these skills in students.

Beyond critical thinking, effective communication is essential. No matter what field students enter, they need to be able to explain ideas clearly, collaborate with others and communicate across disciplines. Adaptability is also important. Change is happening more rapidly than ever before, and students will likely work in industries and occupations that continue to evolve throughout their careers. Rather than preparing students for a single job, we need to help them become lifelong learners who can adapt to new technologies and challenges.