Announced earlier this year, after nearly 40 years of service and 23 years as dean, Keya Sadeghipour will step down and return to faculty at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year. He is leaving behind a legacy defined by transformation and a deep commitment to students and the future of engineering.  

His journey to Philadelphia was not linear. At 17 years old, he left his home in Tehran, Iran to begin his education at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST). After getting his PhD he started a postdoc with University of Lancaster and British Aerospace. He was working in industry in Los Angeles before coming to Temple in 1987 when hired as an assistant professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department. He rose to associate professor and later professor and chair of the department in 1996. He was selected as acting dean beginning in 1998 and was appointed dean in 2003. 

He attributes much of his success to his mentors for their trust and support in his endeavors and leadership. “Their encouragement made it possible for me to step into the transitional role of Interim Dean and help guide the college through a period of change,” Sadeghipour said. 

When he started his position as dean, the college looked very different than it does today. He began his tenure during a period of significant instability marked by more than seven major reorganizations throughout the university. During this time, the College of Engineering was still a part of the College of Science and Technology, and it was during Sadeghipour’s leadership that the College of Engineering was separated and he became permanent dean.  

“The most significant transformation has been our shift from a primarily teaching-focused undergraduate college to a more research-intensive institution. While preserving our commitment to high-quality teaching, we have expanded faculty scholarships, increased external funding, and integrated research into the student experience, strengthening both our academic profile and our impact,” he said. 

This shift not only elevated the college’s academic standing, but it also redefined the student experience. Sadeghipour's leadership was grounded in his approach to people. When asked what he will miss most about serving as dean, his answer was simple. “Our exceptional staff and colleagues....whose dedication, professionalism, and collaborative spirit are the backbone of our daily success and the culture we are proud to sustain.”  

The college as a whole puts students first, and they became the center of every decision made under Sadeghipour’s leadership. “Our primary responsibility is not only to educate but also to support, protect, and empower. We are here to create an environment where students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally; where they feel heard, valued, and prepared for what comes next,” he said. 

One of the things Sadeghipour is looking forward to upon his return to a faculty role is getting more time with students and colleagues, saying. “I am deeply proud of what our students have endured and, more importantly, who they have become through those experiences, thoughtful, capable, and driven individuals ready to make an impact.” 

Looking ahead, he remains engaged with the ever-changing climate of engineering and the world around us. “I am extremely interested in exploring the opportunities created by AI and how it can relate to my own teaching and research,” he said. As he prepares to return to faculty, this curiosity will help shape his path and his return to research.  

He recognizes that engineering is entering a time of profound change and hopes that the college will continue to improve and pivot as necessary. “I imagine students will routinely work on real-world problems in areas like climate, health, and intelligent systems, using advanced tools, including AI, not as shortcuts but as collaborators whose outputs they critically evaluate and validate.”