Wayne State University appoints Shawn McElmurry as new chair of civil and environmental engineering
The Wayne State University College of Engineering announced the appointment of Shawn McElmurry, Ph.D., as the new chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. McElmurry, who has been a dedicated faculty member at Wayne State since 2008, succeeds Bill Shuster, Ph.D., who served as chair since 2019 and will continue his contributions to the college as a professor and researcher.
McElmurry’s tenure at Wayne State has been marked by significant accomplishments in both research and education. As a full professor and CEE graduate program director, he has established a robust externally funded research program, garnering over $13 million in funding and publishing more than 60 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals such as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and Environmental Science & Technology.
Among McElmurry's most notable contributions is his leadership during the Flint Water Crisis. He spearheaded two major projects — the Flint Area Community Health and Environment Partnership (FACHEP) and the Water and Health Infrastructure Resilience and Learning (WHIRL) project — demonstrating his ability to lead multidisciplinary teams in addressing complex societal challenges.
"I am deeply honored to take on this new role," said McElmurry. "My vision for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering is to enhance the well-being of urban communities through rigorous experiential training and cutting-edge research. I look forward to working with our exceptional faculty, staff and students to advance our mission and elevate the department's impact and reputation."
McElmurry is also known for his commitment to education and mentorship, emphasizing a student-centered learning environment that prepares students to solve contemporary engineering problems through practical, real-world applications.
"Shawn McElmurry’s extensive experience and dedication to both research and education make him an ideal leader for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,” said Ali Abolmaali, Ph.D., dean of the College of Engineering. “I am confident that under his guidance the department will continue to thrive, making significant contributions to our university and the broader community."
Abolmaali also expressed his gratitude to Shuster for his leadership over the past five years. Under Shuster’s tenure, the department saw significant advancements including the promotion of nine faculty members, the recruitment of four new scholars and a substantial increase in research funding.
“Bill’s efforts were instrumental in furthering the department’s urban-serving mission,” said Abolmaali.
McElmurry’s appointment as chair is effective Aug.16, 2024.