New dean on the UHCL SCEne

Ruth Garay

The Signal Staff

Zbigniew Czajkiewicz, new dean of the School of Science and Computer Engineering.

The School of Science and Computer Engineering has a new dean. Zbigniew Czajkiewicz arrived for his first day at University of Houston-Clear Lake Sept. 1.

When Charles McKay retired as dean of the School of Science and Computer Engineering in 2007, wheels were set in motion to find a replacement and a nationwide search began.  Sadegh Davari, professor of computer science served as interim dean and a 12-member search committee was formed.

Many applicants were interviewed, but Czajkiewicz was selected as the top candidate for the job.

“Dr. Czajkiewicz brings many years of experience and expertise to the position as well as a philosophy that is a good fit for the school and UHCL,” said Carl Stockton, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.  “Dr. Czajkiewicz received strong support from the committee as well as the university community.”
Zbigniew Czajkiewicz, pronounced [Z-big-nif Chi-ky-vitch] is a native of Poland.  He received his bachelor, master’s and Ph.D. in industrial engineering and management from the Technical University of Wroclaw, Poland.  He worked in the U. S., Europe and Asia where he accumulated more than 25 years of university experience in education, research, industry and management.  In addition, he had a private practice running a consulting company.   His last position was at Robert Morris University in Pittsburg where he served as professor and head of the Center for Applied Research in engineering and science.

Of all his professional experience, Czajkiewicz said working in Asia was one of the most memorable.  He helped establish a business training center at the University in Taraz, Kazakhstan, in early 1990s, after the Soviet Union broke up into independent countries.

“It was very exciting and interesting; I wouldn’t mind repeating an experience like that,” Czajkiewicz said.  “It was satisfying because I was in a country that was just formed.  They had to form all the government agencies, organizations, structure and we were a part of it.”

Of all the locations he worked, Czajkiewicz liked Texas the best so the decision to take the job as dean at UHCL was easy.

“In my first three weeks here, I have met a lot of great people at UHCL,” Czajkiewicz said.  “In every organization, especially in higher education organizations, the people are the biggest asset of the organization.  I’m sure we will be able to do great things here together and I’m really looking forward to working with everyone on and off of the campus.”

In the next few months, Czajkiewicz plans to expand the UHCL’s relationship with local businesses, research organizations, foundations and government organizations. In addition, he hopes to introduce new science and engineering programs.  He feels that the school of science has a very good base to go into forensic science.  His second focus is in the computer science and engineering programs, where he would like to go into more advanced programs such as artificial intelligence or robotics.  Although he feels UHCL should continue to develop more technical aspects in engineering.

For recreation, Czajkiewicz enjoys sailing and scuba diving.  One of his favorite dives was in French Polynesia.

“It was guaranteed that we would see sharks and they were there,” Czajkiewicz said.  “We were hoping that they were not hungry. The guide assured us that it was not very risky, but seeing the sharks swimming by and looking at you created quite a bit of excitement.”

Czajkiewicz understands the dilemma of the current economy and offers words of encouragement.

“Higher level of education is still the ticket to get a good job,” Czajkiewicz said.  “I strongly encourage all of our students to get a degree although the economic situation is quite difficult.  The economy changes all the time.  Hang in there, continue your education, get good grades and, if possible, get a master’s degree.”