ALFRED — Alfred State College announced the appointment of Dr. Liping Jiang as dean of the School of Architecture, Management and Engineering Technology.
Jiang will begin her new role on June 5, coming from Montana Technological University, where she led the civil engineering department, overseeing both civil and construction management programs.]
She launched Montana’s first bachelor’s degree in construction management, helped grow civil engineering into one of the university’s highest-enrolled programs, and played a pivotal role in curriculum design, faculty recruitment and student success initiatives. She served at Montana Tech in Butte since 2017 and was steadily promoted from assistant professor to associate professor and then department head.
“Dr. Jiang’s academic background is exceptionally well aligned with SAMET’s diverse portfolio of programs,” said Dr. Carrie Cokely, vice president of Academic Affairs at Alfred State. “She brings deep expertise in civil and environmental engineering, while also demonstrating a strong understanding of construction, design, technology, and applied business education. We are confident she will bring energy and vision to lead SAMET forward.”
Jiang holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree in civil engineering from Auburn University, along with a bachelor’s in hydraulics and hydropower engineering from Shandong University in Jinan, China. She has led multiple grant-funded research projects related to river dynamics, stormwater management, environmental modeling, and hydro-energy systems. Her work received support from NASA EPSCoR, the Montana University System, and energy industry partners. Her research has been published widely in peer-reviewed journals, and she continues to mentor students.
“Dr. Jiang has built a stellar reputation not only through her research but also through her commitment to industry partnerships and workforce alignment,” said Dr. Steven Mauro, president of Alfred State. “She understands how to connect academic programs with workforce needs and ensure graduates are equipped with in-demand skills. Her leadership will strengthen SAMET’s focus on career preparation, innovation, and hands-on education.”
In addition to her research and teaching, Jiang is a certified program evaluator for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and a professional engineer in Montana. Her background also includes organizing professional development programs, expanding student competitions and advancing advisory boards to stay in touch with industry needs.
