N.C. A&T, UNCG Announce Interim Dean of Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering

Sherine Obare, Ph.D., will continue to serve as JSNN dean until May 1, 2024, when she will transition to serving as vice chancellor for Research and Engagement at UNCG.

“JSNN is a unique partnership between our two institutions, with burgeoning discoveries occurring across disciplines,” said Storrs. “Dr. Croatt brings his strong leadership in research, graduate education, and excellence in teaching to JSNN, and I am confident the school’s legacy of innovation and excellence will continue under his oversight.”

“This appointment marks a significant milestone in our collaborative journey with the unique partnership between our two esteemed institutions,” said Smith-Jackson.

“JSNN stands as a beacon of interdisciplinary excellence, where the fusion of knowledge from North Carolina A&T and the broader academic community has sparked a surge of burgeoning discoveries across disciplines. Dr. Croatt's leadership will undoubtedly propel JSNN to new heights, fostering innovation and shaping the future of nanoscience and nanoengineering through collaborative endeavors and groundbreaking research.”

Croatt earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of Minnesota and his doctorate in chemistry from Stanford University. Since joining UNCG in 2010, Croatt has a distinguished record of teaching, service, research and leadership. He has served as head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for six years and holds the Marie Foscue Rourk Distinguished Professorship. He was also awarded the UNCG research award in 2018 and UNCG teaching excellence award in 2014. During his tenure as department head, he successfully supported the promotion and tenure of faculty peers, engaged in student success initiatives and supported faculty research, leading to an increase of 24% in external awards.

Croatt has also maintained his own research activity focused on solving problems of significant synthetic, material, environmental and medicinal natures, collaboratively securing $2.9 million in external funding with his research group.  An advocate of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), his leadership on several DEI-related initiatives and activities led to his department’s selection for a nationwide DEI award from the American Chemical Society in 2023.

“I am thrilled to step into the role of interim dean of JSNN. Under the leadership of Dr. Obare, the school has been taken to the next level and I hope to continue to support the school during this transition,” said Croatt.

A nationwide search for the dean of JSNN will commence in fall 2024.