Four questions with the new engineering dean

March 25, 2025 (Volume 48, Number 14)

Adebayo "Bayo" Ogundipe in blue suit and checked light blue shirt standing outside the Kennedy Hall with sunlight behind him

Adebayo “Bayo” Ogundipe is pictured outside the Kennedy Hall of Engineering.

Photo Credit: Cory Morse

Adebayo “Bayo” Ogundipe began his role as dean of the Padnos College of Engineering on March 1. Ogundipe brings with him extensive experience in engineering education and industry experience in chemical and environment engineering. Below he discusses his initial observations about Grand Valley and goals for the college.

You have worked at Grand Valley for one month. Talk about your initial impressions.
I have reflected on this every day since I got here. The people I have met and the reception that I have experienced across the breadth of the university have been exceptional. This is a truly phenomenal place.

One striking thing that I have observed is the depth of genuine affection that folks here have for Grand Valley and all it does. There is a homegrown culture of being and doing here that feels very authentic.

I have also been intrigued by the vibe here, the tempo of it all. Not too chaotic, but not too mellow. Just right to nurture creativity of all kinds. I also love the strong community engagement and many platforms for collaboration.

What are your early goals for the college?
One of the topics of conversation that occurred during my visit to campus last fall was the question of what we might need to do to effectively produce future engineers and safety professionals who can collaborate across disciplines and lead in a rapidly changing world. In many ways, the answer is in our willingness and ability to rise to this challenge and to transform the way we educate our students. This is unavoidable if we must remain relevant, impactful and the best at what we do.

While, technically, we are a new college, we already have an extraordinary and intellectually diverse community of stellar professionals. We have all it takes to be the changemakers that will lead this transformation.

However, before we can tackle this imperative, we need to harness and focus the innovative and entrepreneurial thinking of the students, staff and faculty in the college to the initial goals of community building and culture-renewal.

What intrigued you to apply for this role?
I met the former dean, Dr. Paul Plotkowski, a few years ago at a conference and was inspired by his talk on industry-academia collaborations and the co-op program at Grand Valley. It occurred to me at the time that work-integrated learning models like this could effectively complement the traditional engineering curriculum and provide students with the opportunity to develop and practice the so-called “soft” skills that employers say are critical to career success.

The search for a new dean came to my attention at the perfect time for me explore the opportunity to be part of something this special. Earlier would have been too early and later too late.

The Padnos College of Engineering has a rich history of industry partnerships. How will you maintain and grow these relationships?
The best way to maintain and grow relationships of any kind is open, direct lines of communication. The key to strong and enduring industry partnerships is synergy and clear mutual benefit. A big part of my job is to effectively articulate the distinct value proposition of working with PCE. We’ll continue to nurture our existing partnerships while making inroads in new possibilities.

West Michigan is national treasure that is fast becoming a hub for creativity and collaboration. I believe we can leverage our reputation with our current partners to significantly expand our area of influence. This will not only benefit our current students but will expand our visibility and portfolio of achievements.