Kirk H. Schulz

Chemical Engineering
Class of 1986, BS; Class of 1991, Ph.D.

Where is your hometown?
Norfolk, Virginia

How did what you learned at Virginia Tech impact your career?
Virginia Tech prepared me to think critically and communicate effectively. I have used these traits in every higher education leadership position in which I have served.

Why did you choose your profession?
I always loved the university environment growing up with parents who worked at Old Dominion University. Serving as a faculty member and university leader has allowed me to help educate and nurture the next generation of leaders.

Why did you decide to come to Virginia Tech?
Virginia Tech had the best engineering program in Virginia which made my choice easy.

Who influenced you during your career and/or time at Virginia Tech?
I had many inspirational professors at Virginia Tech who really provided both motivation and inspiration. I met my wife (Noel - BSEE, MSEE) at Virginia Tech and her continuous pursuit of excellence has always been very motivational for me.

What’s one of your favorite memories from Virginia Tech?
Eating at Macado’s and enjoying the Hokies beating the Cavaliers!

DEGREES
Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, 1991
B.S., Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, 1986

PROFESSIONAL ROLES
President and Professor of Chemical Engineering, Washington State University (2016-present)
President and Professor of Chemical Engineering, Kansas State University (2009-16)
Vice President for Research and Economic Development, Mississippi State University (2007-09)
Dean of the James Worth Bagley College of Engineering, Mississippi State University (2005-07)
Director of the Swalm School of Chemical Engineering, Mississippi State University (2001-05)
Associate Professor and Department Chair of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University (1998-01)
Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University (1995-98)
Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of North Dakota (1991-95)

ADVISORY BOARDS, COMMITTEES
Association of Public and Land Grant Universities Board of Directors
NCAA Board of Governors (including 2-year term as Chair)
Fellow of American Society of Engineering Education
Fellow of American Association for the Advancement of Science
Member of American Institute for Chemical Engineers
Inland Northwest Boy Scout Council

Class of: 1986, 1991
Year Inducted into Academy: 2018