John Harris, who has served as Dean of the College of Engineering and Science (COES) since 2022, has been named Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Missouri University of Science and Technology, effective July 1, 2025.
During his tenure leading Florida Tech’s largest college, Harris launched initiatives that strengthened the college’s academic culture, enhanced educational practices and expanded collaboration across disciplines. In an email to the university community, Florida Tech Provost John Kiss praised Harris’s leadership, saying he “emphasized openness, transparency and the recognition of excellence, while modernizing key academic processes and organizational structures.”
“We are grateful for Dr. Harris’s commitment to both teaching and research, as well as his strong support for our students. Please join me in thanking Dean Harris for his service and leadership,” Kiss wrote.
As provost, Harris will oversee S&T’s academic programs as well as university libraries, enrollment management and online learning.
“Dr. John Harris brings a wealth of experience as a leader, educator and researcher, and we are thrilled to welcome him to Missouri S&T,” Mo Dehghani, chancellor of Missouri S&T, told the university’s news service. “His visionary leadership at Florida Tech, his distinguished long service at University of Florida and his strong academic career make him exceptionally well suited to guide our academic mission and support the continued growth and excellence of our university.”
Philip Bernhard has been appointed Interim Dean of COES, effective July 1. Bernhard became Department Head of what is now the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) in 2017 and transitioned to Associate Dean for Academics in 2023.
Throughout his 27 years at Florida Tech, he has been a champion of student success and faculty development, Kiss wrote. Bernhard is well known for his collaborative leadership style and long-standing commitment to fostering a collegial and supportive environment within the college.
“Given his distinguished record of leadership and dedication, I have great confidence in Dr. Bernhard’s ability to lead the college forward,” Kiss wrote. “Please join me in congratulating Dr. Bernhard on his new role.”
A national search for a permanent dean of COES will begin immediately with the assistance of Parker Executive Search.
