Stuart R. Bell

Professional Bio:

Bell has served in higher education for more than 25 years and has broad administrative experience encompassing departmental, school/college, university and system activities. Originally from Abilene, Texas, he received his bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering as well as master’s and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University.

Bell joined the faculty of the University of Alabama’s Department of Mechanical Engineering in 1986, before serving as head of the department from 1995-2002. While there, he founded the university’s Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies, an interdisciplinary research center involving faculty and researchers from across the University of Alabama.

Bell accepted the deanship of the University of Kansas School of Engineering in 2002, and as dean, he was the chief academic officer and administrator for the school. During his tenure, he led the school through strategic planning for research and academic programs as well as annual fiscal planning. He provided leadership for the seven academic units: aerospace engineering; chemical and petroleum engineering; civil, environmental and architectural engineering; electrical engineering and computer science; engineering management; engineering physics; and mechanical engineering. While he was dean, four new major centers were conceived and launched from the school with a total federal commitment of more than $70 million dollars.

Bell now serves as LSU’s executive vice chancellor and provost.