University Park, Pa. -- David Hall, who has served as interim dean of the College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) since Jan. 1, has been appointed dean of the college by Penn State's Board of Trustees today (Sept. 17).
"In the process of searching nationally, we found that we had an outstanding leader already at the helm. Dr. Hall has done an exemplary job as interim dean. He has the right vision, values and drive to enhance the college in the years ahead," said Rod Erickson, executive vice president and provost of the University.
Hall, professor of information sciences and technology, was founding director of Penn State's Center for Network-Centric Cognition and Information Fusion (NC2IF). He spearheaded the creation of the center to harness what he called the overwhelming flood of information available today and make it useful for decision-making at all levels.
Hall said he's looking forward to continuing his responsibilities on a permanent basis. "I greatly appreciate the strong vote of confidence I've received from my IST colleagues, our advisory board and the senior administration of the University. I am looking forward to guiding this vibrant, cutting-edge college in its second decade."
Hall joined the College of IST in 2001 and previously served as associate dean for research and graduate programs. In that capacity, he was responsible for overseeing the college’s doctoral and master's degree programs, as well as research grant administration and leadership of faculty research efforts.
He spearheaded the efforts for NC2IF to gain University center status and win funding from the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and other sources.
Hall has more than 30 years of experience in research, research management and systems development. He is the author of more than 200 journal articles and papers, reports, books and book chapters, and he has delivered numerous lectures on his research, research management and artificial intelligence. Prior to joining the College of IST, he served as associate director and senior scientist at Penn State’s Applied Research Laboratory, where he oversaw the 150-person Information and Network Systems Office. Hall received his bachelor's degree in math and physics from the University of Iowa and his doctorate in astronomy from Penn State.