Dr. Wade Marcum, Henry W. and Janice J. Schuette Professor of Nuclear Science and Engineering and interim associate dean for undergraduate programs at OSU, has been appointed to the role of associate dean for undergraduate programs. Wade is responsible for identifying and implementing strategies for improving academics, recruiting, retention, experiential, advising, and co-curricular programs. He also oversees the college’s scholarship process and makes decisions regarding academic integrity. He will work closely with all schools to steward their curricula and support important college-level initiatives, such as the First-year Engineering Experience and ABET accreditation.

In March, Scott Ashford, Kearney Dean of Engineering at OSU, appointed Wade to the position of interim associate dean of undergraduate programs while a national search for a permanent associate dean was undertaken to replace Carlos Jensen, who has exited Oregon State University. The College of Engineering’s undergraduate program is the largest at OSU, with more than 8,000 enrolled students last fall. Advising for these students, as well as student conduct, report up to the associate dean. The critical nature of this associate dean position was such that it could not remain vacant during an ongoing search. 

Because Wade is uniquely qualified for the position, Ashford appointed him to the permanent position through a search waiver. According to Ashford, "His impeccable credentials, familiarity with the operations and goals of the College of Engineering, dedication to student success, and well-established relationships with college and school leadership meant that he could immediately step into his role without any break in continuity — a crucial factor during these uncertain times." 

Wade received his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from Oregon State University and joined the NSE faculty in 2010 as an assistant professor. He was promoted to associate and full professor in 2016 and 2019, respectively.

Wade has led an active research group that focuses on the fundamental understanding of thermal hydraulic phenomenological areas centered on fluid-structure interactions, natural circulation, reactor safety, flow induced vibration, and advanced reactor design, both from an experimental and theoretical perspective. His group actively collaborates with national laboratories, industry, and academic institutions to yield productive and high-impact research. Wade has graduated 34 master’s and doctoral students and three undergraduate honors students. He currently advises 16 graduate students.

Ashford stated, "With Wade’s extensive management experience, record of broad collaboration, and passion toward ensuring student success, I am confident that he will provide strong leadership for the college’s undergraduate programs."

Wade was the first student in Nuclear Science and Engineering at OSU to receive an ARCS Scholar Award from the Oregon Chapter in 2008. Congratulations Wade!