Southern University sciences and engineering dean to step down

Today, Southern University officials announced that Patrick Carriere, dean of the College of Sciences and Engineering at Southern University and A&M College, will resign his post at the close of the Spring 2023 semester.

Carriere has served as dean of the College since 2017. Prior to becoming dean, Carriere was associate dean and director of graduate programs, and professor in the College of Sciences and Engineering.

“I want to thank Dean Carriere for his unwavering commitment to this University and his stellar career as an academician,” said Dennis J. Shields, president of the Southern University System and chancellor of Southern University and A&M College. “His contributions to the College of Sciences and Engineering will be felt for years to come, especially his positive impact on the students, faculty and staff. On behalf of the entire SU community, I wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career.”

The University is planning to conduct a national search to fill the position.

Prior to joining the faculty at Southern in 1998, Carriere held faculty positions at both Texas A&M University-Kingsville and West Virginia University-Morgantown. At Southern, he was named the Department of Energy Chair of Excellence Professor in 2000. He was also chair of the Department of Civil Engineering and associate dean for research and graduate programs. Additionally, he was program director for the National Science Foundation Joint Divisions of Undergraduate Education and Engineering Education and Centers in Arlington, Virginia.

During his tenure at Southern, Carriere received the Civil Engineering Most Outstanding Faculty Award of the Year 2000-2001, 1999-2000, and 1998-1999. He was awarded the College of Engineering Outstanding Young Researcher Award of the Year 1994-1995 from West Virginia University.

Carriere has worked extensively on numerous environmental and water resources projects. His research interests are in bioremediation, treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater, and groundwater modeling. He has authored and co-authored many refereed journals and articles. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, American Society for Engineering Education, and many other professional organizations. 

Carriere, a professional civil engineer, received a doctorate in Civil Engineering and a masters in agricultural engineering from Texas A&M University, and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Faculte des Sciences Appliquees in Haiti.