Warren Dixon named dean of the College of Engineering
Warren Dixon, an internationally recognized leader in robotics and autonomous technologies, has been named the next dean of the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech.
Dixon brings a record of advancing high-impact research, expanding academic programs, and building strategic partnerships. He currently serves as the interim dean of the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida and is a distinguished professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering.
Dixon’s appointment will officially begin on July 10. He will succeed Julie Ross, who served in the role for nine years before becoming executive vice president and provost in January.
“Warren's vision for the future of the College of Engineering challenges us to think bigger and bolder as we advance our engineering programs, partnerships, and priorities,” Ross said. "I look forward to working closely with him and the college leadership team to create new opportunities for our faculty, staff, and students.”
Ross added, "I would like to thank David Knight for his outstanding leadership as interim dean and for continuing to elevate the College of Engineering during this transition.”
At the University of Florida, Dixon also served as the chair of the Wertheim College’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from 2021-25. He joined the faculty there in 2004, coming from Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
An expert in machine learning, he is widely recognized for integrating control theory with artificial intelligence (AI), particularly through advances in reinforcement learning and adaptive control for autonomous systems. His scholarship spans applications in aerospace systems, human-machine interaction, rehabilitation robotics, national security, and beyond, helping define emerging areas such as assured autonomy, which focuses on safe integration of AI systems in real-world environments.
“I am excited for the opportunity to champion the deep-rooted Ut Prosim spirit and work with world-class faculty and talented students at Virginia Tech,” Dixon said. “By fostering a culture that prioritizes both technical excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration, we will cement Virginia Tech’s standing as a national leader in engineering education and research.”
A strong supporter of integrating AI in the engineering curriculum, Dixon added, “My goal is to prepare a workforce that doesn’t just understand AI but masters its physical manifestation to solve the most pressing challenges of our time, serving the commonwealth and beyond.”
As dean, Dixon will lead the university’s largest academic unit, a leading contributor to Virginia Tech’s nearly $500 million research enterprise and national reputation. Engineering fuels innovation of areas critical to and across the commonwealth, from advanced manufacturing and autonomous systems to national security and energy infrastructure.
More about Dixon
Dixon has received several prestigious recognitions and awards including:
- Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2016
- Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 2016
- Air Force Commander’s Public Service Award, 2016
- Distinguished Member of the IEEE Control Systems Society, 2020
Dixon is a prolific and highly cited researcher who has created a broad impact across engineering disciplines. His work has shaped how autonomous systems operate in uncertain and complex environments.
Dixon received his bachelor’s from Clemson University, master’s degree from the University of South Carolina, and Ph.D. from Clemson University, all in electrical engineering.
