The search for a new dean for the UCF College of Sciences has concluded with the appointment of Joshua Colwell, a Pegasus Professor of physics who has been at UCF for 20 years.
Following a competitive national search and rigorous interview process, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs John Buckwalter selected Colwell on March 13, citing his steady leadership during his nine-month tenure as interim dean.
“Under his leadership, the college fostered an environment where students, faculty and staff can thrive, while strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and expanding research and community impact,” Buckwalter says.
As interim dean, and now as dean, Colwell oversees the university’s largest college, serving more than 16,000 students across a wide range of disciplines, including the physical, biological, social, behavioral and computational sciences. The College of Sciences plays a central role in advancing UCF’s research enterprise and preparing graduates to address complex global challenges through scientific discovery and innovation.
Colwell’s bold vision for the College of Sciences builds on UCF’s reputation as Florida’s Technological University.
“We have cutting-edge research ranging from human-machine communication and interaction to new materials for clean energy, as well as the societal and political aspects of space exploration,” Colwell says. “We are uniquely positioned to prepare students for a rapidly evolving technological landscape and the economy of the 21st century.”
Among his key focuses are improving student preparedness after graduation, ensuring students have the knowledge and skills to thrive in an increasingly competitive job market shaped by advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence.
“It’s a top priority to make sure our researchers understand the rapidly changing technological landscape so they can carry out transformative work.” — Joshua Colwell, COS dean
“It’s a top priority to make sure our researchers understand the rapidly changing technological landscape so they can carry out transformative work,” Colwell says. “We also want to ensure our faculty have the support needed to deliver a world-class education.”
Colwell emphasizes the importance of keeping key stakeholders informed and including them in decision-making when appropriate.
“I’ve found that transparency and strong communication among all parties go a long way toward building trust and commitment to a shared vision,” Colwell says. “I want to make sure my team and I are available and actively engaging with faculty, students, staff and the community to discuss challenges, opportunities, and how to navigate them.”
Colwell joined UCF as an assistant professor in the Department of Physics in 2006. He later served as chair of the Department of Physics and associate dean for research for the college. In these roles, he was instrumental in advancing academic planning, supporting research growth and leading initiatives that strengthen student success. His leadership contributed to expanding faculty capacity, modernizing instructional laboratories and enhancing research opportunities across the college — experience that has shaped his approach as a leader.
“The breadth of those experiences has given me valuable insight into the challenges our faculty and staff face and how administration at the college level can support their work,” Colwell says. “I’ve also taught both large and small classes and supervised undergraduate and graduate students, so I feel very connected to the UCF student experience.”
“I’ve also taught both large and small classes and supervised undergraduate and graduate students, so I feel very connected to the UCF student experience.” — Joshua Colwell, COS dean
Colwell says the multidisciplinary nature of the college’s work, which touches every part of the human experience, makes it an exciting place to be.
“From transforming energy production and human-computer interaction to shaping entertainment, managing information, and coexisting with our environment, our work is exciting, impactful, and innovative,” he says. “Above all, we are preparing our students to thrive and make a positive impact in the world.”
Colwell earned his doctoral degree in astrophysical, planetary and atmospheric sciences from the University of Colorado Boulder and his bachelor’s degree in physics from Stetson University. In 2019, he was named a Pegasus Professor, UCF’s highest faculty honor. His research on planetary rings, comets and the evolution of planetary systems has supported experiments flown on the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. He also served as a co-investigator on Cassini–Huygens and has worked closely with students on spaceflight experiments in collaboration with commercial partners such as Blue Origin.
