“Dr. Pinto is passionate about teaching students in new ways and developing collaborations between academic units and community partners” Ramsey said. “He is highly respected by UofL faculty and the perfect fit to keep UofL on the amazing trajectory Dr. Willihnganz helped start and sustain.”
“I am honored to be asked to take on this new role,” Pinto said. “Under President Ramsey’s leadership I look forward to building on the momentum that Provost Willihnganz has established during her distinguished tenure.”
Pinto has been the dean of the engineering school and professor of chemical engineering since September 2011. He has helped spearhead the development of the 39-acre Belknap Engineering and Applied Sciences Research Park, which is being built behind the engineering school. Pinto will continue to head that project while serving as interim provost.
During Pinto’s tenure, UofL’s relationship with GE has blossomed: He was the lead negotiator in bringing GE’s FirstBuild microfactory to UofL’s campus; GE added UofL to its list of colleges and universities from which it recruits new engineers; and UofL began offering masters level engineering courses at GE’s Appliance Park.
Willihnganz has been provost since 2003. She will be returning to the faculty. Pinto will assume the provost position when Willihnganz steps down at the end of the academic year.