Marietta College is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Ben J. Stuart as dean of the Center for Earth, Energy and the Environment. Dr. Stuart, who began his role in August, brings more than 25 years of experience in engineering, sustainability and energy research, along with a strong connection to the Appalachian region.
Stuart previously served as dean of Old Dominion University’s Batten College of Engineering and Technology in Virginia. He also spent two decades at Ohio University, where he directed the Institute for Sustainable Energy and the Environment and led the Biofuels Research Laboratory. Stuart’s expertise spans sustainable energy, environmental systems and water treatment technologies, and he has been sought after as a consultant for reputable organizations including NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ben Stuart. He brings an ideal combination of skills and talents: a rich understanding of the energy landscape, experience in both higher education and industry, and experience in grants and fundraising,” said President Kathleen Poorman Dougherty. “We are confident that he will connect well with our faculty, students, and staff, as well as community partners. We were truly impressed by his commitment to the region and his vision for building a strong center and strong programs."
The Center for Earth, Energy and the Environment (CEEE) provides opportunities for academic, professional and public sectors to engage in constructive dialogue about the critical challenges related to energy systems, sustainability and the environment. The CEEE provides academic training that prepares students to become leaders in these fields, while fostering teaching, research and outreach that addresses regional and global needs.
Drawing on the strength of Marietta’s nationally recognized Petroleum Engineering program, the CEEE is advancing into areas such as environmental engineering, geology, energy policy and water resource management. Planned enhancements include new majors, expanded faculty-student research and facility upgrades that will position Marietta College as a source of integrated knowledge in these fields.
Provost Suzanne Walker emphasized that Stuart’s collaborative leadership style and extensive experience will be assets to both the CEEE and the College. “Dr. Stuart brings proven leadership, through a servant-leader lens, that will help the College find ways to collaborate internally and externally for the betterment of our students and region in areas of earth, energy and environment,” Walker said.
In his new role, Dr. Stuart will guide efforts to develop innovative academic programs and majors that prepare students for their careers, as well as broaden experiential learning opportunities such as internships and collaborative research. Stuart's leadership will connect departments across campus to address complex regional challenges in sustainability, energy and the environment.
“I am extremely grateful to have started my career working in the watersheds of Southeastern Ohio on both public and private research projects with students and faculty from numerous departments, and I look forward to facilitating similar opportunities for the CEEE students here at Marietta College,” said Dr. Stuart. “The CEEE will strive to connect students, faculty, practitioners and governmental agencies to create diverse communities working together to advance sustainable solutions to the problems facing EEE systems.”
Building on Marietta’s longstanding strength in petroleum engineering, Stuart’s appointment will ensure the College remains a leader in preparing students to tackle today’s energy challenges responsibly, while equipping them with the skills and opportunities to create sustainable solutions for the future.