Marwan Simaan, the first National Academy of Engineering member to join the University of Central Florida faculty, has been named dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Simaan, who joined UCF in spring 2008 after a 32-year career at the University of Pittsburgh, has been the college’s interim dean since January 2009. His appointment as dean is effective Jan. 4, 2010.

“Dr. Simaan has been nothing short of outstanding as interim dean,” UCF President John Hitt said. “His leadership, dedication to staff and faculty members and commitment to providing students a world-class education make him the ideal choice to lead the College of Engineering and Computer Science. He will continue to be a superb leader for the college.”