Chris Carroll joins Trine as dean of Allen School of Engineering and Computing

J. Chris Carroll, Ph.D., PE, a distinguished educator and experienced academic leader, will join Trine University as dean of its Allen School of Engineering and Computing, effective July 1.

He comes to Trine from Saint Louis University in Missouri, where he most recently served as associate professor and chair of the university’s Department of Civil Engineering.

“Dr. Carroll is an enthusiastic, proven academic leader whose background encompasses an outstanding body of teaching, scholarly work and research,” said Tony Kline, Ph.D., executive vice president. “He brings a commitment to personalized, hands-on learning, has demonstrated a creative, effective approach to recruitment, and is passionate about connecting industry to the classroom, all of which are trademarks at Trine University.”

Dr. Carroll said he was drawn to Trine by its mission and vision, which align with his own views on engineering education.

“I am passionate about engineering education, and I strongly believe in learner-centered teaching environments that blend theory with practical application to better prepare graduates for industry,” he said. “My ultimate goal as dean of the Allen School of Engineering and Computing is to use my passion and creativity to build upon the existing strengths of the school, create a shared vision for the future that addresses the challenges facing higher education, and work with faculty and staff to make Trine a leader in engineering, computing and technology education.”

Dr. Carroll succeeds William Barry, Ph.D., who had served as dean of the school since 2021. Dr. Barry is returning to a full-time teaching role within the school.

Increasing responsibility

Dr. Carroll started at Saint Louis University as an assistant professor in 2015 and progressed into roles with increasing responsibility, including civil engineering program coordinator and chair of the Department of Civil, Computer and Electrical Engineering.

Prior to his role at Saint Louis University, Dr. Carroll was an assistant professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. During this time, he also led a Virtual Community of Practice with the American Society for Engineering Education and co-hosted four documentaries related to ancient engineering that appeared on the History, Science and Discovery channels.

As a doctoral student at Virginia Tech, he also co-hosted a documentary on the History Channel focused on the Cold War and nuclear bunkers.

He has completed multiple funded research projects and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications. He also has been part of many academic and professional conference presentations.

He has earned numerous teaching and professional accolades. Most recently, he was named the 2025 Outstanding Engineer in Education by the St. Louis chapter of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers.

Dr. Carroll has led or assisted with multiple faculty development workshops for the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network and the American Concrete Institute.

He also has given nearly 200 presentations to students ranging from grades 7-12 focused on topics related to engineering and college preparation. He planned and supervised 11 summer engineering camps along with several after-school competitions.

He holds a Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering with an emphasis in structural engineering from Virginia Tech, along with engineering education and future professoriate graduate certificates.

He earned both a Bachelor of Science in civil and environmental engineering and a Master of Science in civil and environmental engineering with an emphasis in structural engineering from the University of Tennessee.