In response to unprecedented growth and expanding academic offerings, Kent State University’s College of Aeronautics and Engineering has announced the formal establishment of two distinct academic units: the School of Aeronautics and the School of Engineering.
The reorganization recognizes the significant momentum in both disciplines and provides a framework for continued innovation, faculty expansion, and student success.
A Decade of Growth and Momentum
Since fall 2018, enrollment in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering has grown by more than 55%. This surge is driven by parallel growth across both aeronautics and engineering programs. In aeronautics, enrollment gains reflect the strategic elevation of programs from concentrations into stand-alone majors—improving program visibility and expanding student pathways. In engineering, the transformation is even more dramatic: since launching its first full engineering degree in aerospace engineering in 2016, followed by mechatronics in 2018 and cybersecurity in 2021, the college has seen engineering enrollment more than quadruple, fueled by student demand for forward-thinking programs that combine technical rigor with real-world application, preparing them to design what’s next in automation, cybersecurity, aerospace and beyond. Together, these trends underscore the college’s rapid evolution and its growing role in shaping the future of both flight and innovation.
“The launch of two schools reflects the maturity and future potential of our programs,” said Christina Bloebaum, Ph.D., dean of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering. “By elevating each area, we can sharpen our focus, align resources strategically, and continue to lead in aviation and engineering innovation.”
Leadership Anchored in Expertise
The newly formed School of Aeronautics will be led on an interim basis by Rubén Del Rosario, Eng.D., an accomplished aerospace executive with more than 33 years at NASA, including as director of the Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program. Since joining Kent State, Del Rosario has directed the Center for Advanced Air Mobility and played a critical role in shaping the college’s research agenda around the future of flight.
John Sankovic, Ph.D., will serve as the interim director of the School of Engineering. A former director of NASA’s Glenn Research Center, Sankovic is a leading voice in engineering innovation, energy systems, and technology commercialization. He has been instrumental in advancing the college’s doctoral programs and brings a visionary approach to engineering education and applied research.
A national search will be conducted to identify permanent directors for both schools.
Positioning for What’s Next
The creation of the School of Aeronautics and the School of Engineering marks a major milestone in the college’s evolution—one that positions Kent State to expand its impact across Ohio, the nation, and the rapidly advancing fields of aerospace, automation, mobility, and intelligent systems.
“This transformation is not just about structure, it’s about purpose,” Bloebaum added. “It’s about preparing our students to lead in industries that are redefining how we live, work, and move through the world.”