School of Engineering Dean's Office
We’re here to support your work as you lead, innovate, and collaborate.
Leading the Way at Ole Miss Engineering
Under the leadership of Dean Viola L. Acoff, Ph.D., Ole Miss Engineering is focused on advancing excellence—from driving the competitive standards of its academic programs, to expanding the scope and impact of faculty research.
Dr. Acoff joined Ole Miss Engineering in 2023 from the University of Alabama, where she served as associate dean for undergraduate and graduate programs. Her experience spans both academia and industry, with more than 80 peer-reviewed papers published, over $15 million in externally funded grants, and consulting roles with industry-leading corporations. She has also served on multiple boards and contributed to more than two dozen professional service roles.
Dr. Acoff’s research interests focus on additive manufacturing, welding metallurgy, physical metallurgy, titanium and nickel alloys, and materials characterization using electron microscopy.
Supporting and Championing Our Faculty
Ole Miss Engineering provides practical support to help faculty succeed. From grant funding and research administration to IT and facility resources, we ensure faculty have what they need to focus on their work.
Dean's Office
Viola Acoff
- Dean of Engineering and Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Adam Smith
- Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Co-Director for the Center for Nano-Bio Interactions and Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering
Glenn Walker
- Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs and Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Professor of Electrical Engineering
Megan Miller
- Assistant Dean of Student Programs
Rachael Durham
- Assistant Dean Student Success and Retention
Christine Hellums
- Assistant to the Dean
Loretta Spence
- Program Manager
Debbie Shelby
- Administrative Secretary II
Kayla VonBurg
- Communications Specialist
Austin Dillon
- Special Events Assistant II
Donald Reed
- Senior Information Technology Specialist
Garrett Thorn
- Technical Support Specialist
Darin Van Pelt
- Director and Professor of Practice of General Engineering and Strategic Initiatives
Holly Jubera
- Research Administrator III