David E. Daniel is the fourteenth dean of the College of Engineering. He follows William R. Schowalter, who retired in February 2001. Timothy N. Trick, a professor of electrical and computer engineering, served as interim dean until Daniel assumed his new post in April.

Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Illinois when he was selected, Daniel "has proven to be a skilled leader, outstanding teacher, and scholar," said Provost Richard H. Herman. "We believe he has all the qualities that will sustain this university’s exemplary record of achievement in engineering education and research."

Daniel is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and has won the American Society of Civil Engineers highest award for geotechnical papers published in its journals. With more than 60 peer-reviewed journal articles and as many conference proceedings to his name, Daniel has an international reputation for expertise in engineering containment systems for waste disposal and cleanup of contaminated waste disposal sites.

A University of Texas-Austin graduate, Daniel was a member of the faculty there from 1981 until 1996, when he joined the U of I faculty. He was named Gutsgell Professor in 2000.