John Walz
President | Milwaukee School of Engineering
Milwaukee, WI, UNITED STATES
Dr. John Y. Walz is president of Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE).
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Education, Licensure and Certification (3)
Ph.D.: Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University 1992
M.S.: Chemical Engineering, Tulane University 1988
B.S.: Chemical Engineering, Tulane University 1982
Biography
MSOE is under the guidance and leadership of Dr. John Y. Walz, who began his term as the university’s fifth president on July 1, 2016. One of Walz’ first projects at MSOE was the implementation of a five-year strategic plan, leading to new a new degree, construction of campus advancements, improvements to student life, and so much more.
Walz was instrumental in the creation of the B.S. in Computer Science focused on artificial intelligence at MSOE, joining Carnegie Mellon as one of the first two universities in the nation to offer such an undergraduate degree. In order to support the technology forward degree and advance other academic programs, Walz worked with alumnus Dwight Diercks to develop the Dwight and Dian Diercks Computational Science Hall, which is filled with next generation technologies that position MSOE at the forefront of artificial intelligence education.
Under Walz’ leadership, the Robert Spitzer Dining Commons was created and Roy W. Johnson Residence Hall was transformed into Hermann Viets Tower. The Ruehlow Nursing Complex expanded and the We Energies STEM Center at MSOE was created, Additionally, Raider Stadium was developed in partnership with Nicolet High School.
Outside of campus, Walz is an active board member for the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Wisconsin Technology Council, and Higher Education Regional Alliance. He also participates in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference, Association of Independent Technological Universities, National Association of Independent Colleges, Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges, and Rotary of Milwaukee.
Walz earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Tulane University and began his career as a process support engineer for Shell Oil Company. After earning a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, he began his academic career as an assistant professor at Tulane. He was then an associate professor and chair of the Chemical Engineering Department at Yale University; professor and head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Virginia Tech; and dean of the College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky.
Areas of Expertise (3)
Colloid and Interface Science
Chemical Engineering
Research
Accomplishments (6)
2019 CEO of the Year: Honorable Mention (professional)
Dr. John Walz received honorable mention for CEO of the Year in 2019 from the Milwaukee Business Journal for his exceptional leadership and influence on the community.
Exemplary Department Award (professional)
Virginia Tech, 2010
Arthur Greer Memorial Prize for Research (professional)
Yale University, 2005
Rolf Schubert Distinguished Paper Award (professional)
28th Annual Meeting of the Adhesion Society 1999
Faculty Early Career Development Award (professional)
National Science Foundation, 1997
Research Initiation Award (professional)
National Science Foundation, 1993
Affiliations (4)
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute : Board member
- Wisconsin Technology Council : Board member
- Higher Education Regional Alliance : Board member
- National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities: Board Member
Media Appearances (7)
MSOE president John Walz works to make 'hidden gem' not so hidden
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel print
2023-05-17
Enrolling 2,729 students, the private downtown Milwaukee university often operates below the radar, but Walz hopes to change that by increasing enrollment, improving diversity and growing MSOE’s name.
MSOE will build a $3 million softball stadium on its downtown campus. It's part of a larger effort to expand women's sports at the college.
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel print
2022-04-08
“We are committed to offering our students opportunities and activities that support the development of their whole being, and that their collegiate experience goes beyond the classrooms and laboratories,” said John Walz, MSOE president.
Milwaukee businesses sponsor STEM education outreach center at MSOE
Milwaukee Business Journal online
2020-06-16
Initially, said MSOE president John Walz, the unfinished space had been tabbed for a commercial purpose, but the school did not find the right tenant. MSOE wanted to lease the spot to a tenant that would add to the university.
MSOE announces plans to expand nursing school
CBS 58 tv
2020-02-24
MSOE President John Walz announced plans to add 2,200 square feet of space to its existing school. Walz says it's one way the school is addressing a critical shortage of nurses and a growing demand from students who want to become nurses.
John Walz continues MSOE's mission of hands-on learning
Milwaukee Business Journal online
2019-12-12
Milwaukee School of Engineering's mission is to provide hands-on learning to all its students. That was its focus when it started in 1903, and it continued to be the focus when John Walz took over as president in July 2016.
MBJ Podcast #26: Diercks Hall opens at MSOE, and unconventional DNC event hosts
Milwaukee Business Journal Podcast radio
2019-02-20
Engaging with industry is part of the DNA at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, said president John Walz. That will continue in its latest development.
John Y. Walz, Ph.D. Named President of Milwaukee School of Engineering
Newswire online
2016-05-11
Dr. John Y. Walz will be the next president of Milwaukee School of Engineering, effective July 1, 2016. Walz is only the fifth president in the university's 113-year history.
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