Mark Stone has been selected as the new head of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Biological Systems Engineering Department. He will begin his new role on July 1. He succeeds David Jones, who will return to the faculty once Stone begins in the position.
Stone is currently a professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering at the University of New Mexico, where he also serves as the acting associate dean of academic affairs and community engagement in the School of Engineering. Additionally, he is the co-founder and director of the UNM Resilience Institute.
Stone’s research interests include integrated water resources management and socio-ecological systems resilience. He serves as the principal investigator and director of the Intermountain West Transformation Network, which is a $15 million research network supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF). He has served as principal investigator or co-investigator on 15 NSF awards, including an NSF CAREER award on building community resilience to floods and drought, and an international research network focused on water supply resilience throughout the Americas.
At UNM, Stone has contributed to the institutional culture of inclusive excellence by integrating inclusive practices in his research, teaching, and leadership. His efforts have been recognized through multiple teaching excellence awards.
Stone grew up on a farm near Laurel, Neb., and received his undergraduate degree from the UNL’s Biological Systems Engineering department in 1998. He received his master’s and doctoral degrees in civil and environmental engineering from Washington State University.
“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Stone back to Nebraska and the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources,” said Mike Boehm, NU Vice President Harlan Vice Chancellor for IANR. “He brings to the position a strong background in a number of issues that are critically important to Nebraska and Nebraskans, including water management, ecological resilience, innovative teaching and learning, and inclusive collaboration. I am excited for him to bring his skills to his home state and alma mater.”
Stone said he, too, was excited to return to UNL.
“I’m thrilled for this opportunity to return to Nebraska and contribute to the future of the department and university that provided such a valuable foundation for my life and career,” Stone said. “I look forward to working with all members of the BSE community to build upon their already excellent programs and to develop a shared vision for the department’s future.”
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