Contact: Monty Jones, 512-499-4363
Date: November 6, 1992

Sorber named president of U.T. Permian Basin

DALLAS, Texas -- Charles A. Sorber, dean of engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, was named Friday (Nov. 6) to be the fourth president of The University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

The selection was made by the U.T. System Board of Regents after interviewing finalists for the presidency.

"Dr. Sorber is a highly capable administrator and educator who has the vision and energy necessary for leading The University of Texas of the Permian Basin," said Louis A. Beecherl Jr., chairman of the Board of Regents.

"Dr. Sorber was selected from a very strong group of finalists. We are confident that under his leadership U.T. Permian Basin will continue its development as an institution that plays a fundamental role in the educational and economic future of its region."

Dr. William H. Cunningham, chancellor of the U.T. System, said, "Dr. Sorber is a very distinguished educator with a strong reputation for upholding the highest standards of excellence. He understands thoroughly the mission of a public institution such as U.T. Permian Basin and is committed to further strengthening each aspect of that mission."

Dr. James P. Duncan, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and chairman of an advisory committee that recommended the finalists, said, "Dr. Sorber impressed the committee for his administrative abilities, his enthusiasm and his academic record. He will be a very dynamic leader for U.T. Permian Basin."

Sorber has been dean of the School of Engineering and professor of civil engineering at the University of Pittsburgh since 1986. From 1980 to 1986 he was associate dean of engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, serving also from 1981 to 1986 as director of U.T. Austin's Engineering Science Program. From 1976 to 1980 he was director of the Center for Applied Research and Technology at U.T. San Antonio.

Sorber received bachelor's and master's degrees from Pennsylvania State University and a doctorate in engineering from U.T. Austin. He has written or co-written more than 130 articles, reports, abstracts and conference proceedings, as well as nine chapters in books, on a variety of technical subjects.

He is a member of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and is president-elect of the Water Environment Federation. He has served on the Commission on Information Technologies of the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, the Presidential Business Development Mission to Poland, and the Engineering Deans Council of the American Association for Engineering Education.

The search for a new president began last spring after President Duane M. Leach announced his retirement. Dr. Edwin R. Sharpe, vice president for administration at U.T. Austin, has been serving as interim president at U.T. Permian Basin.

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