Anthony Vizzini has been chosen as the next vice president for academic affairs. 

He has served as dean and professor of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Western Michigan University since 2009.

“I’m excited to be in a position where there’s a lot of learning to be done,” Vizzini said. “What I’m excited about is getting to drink from the fire hose.” Meaning Vizzini wants to immerse himself in WSU culture.

“I need to understand the specific essence of Shockers and say, ‘Oh yeah. I’m one, too,’” he said.

Gary Miller was the previous vice president for academic affairs. He is now chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Keith Pickus has served as interim provost since Miller’s departure.

A strong background in aerospace engineering may help Vizzini feel at home at WSU. He was a key individual in Mississippi State’s aerospace engineering department, and is a Fellow of the American Society for Composites. He earned his bachelor’s through doctoral degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

Vizzini is no stranger to WSU, either. He said he previously worked on campus while contracted with the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR).

“I am pleased Dr. Vizzini has accepted the offer to become WSU’s next vice president for academic affairs,” President John Bardo said. “His academic background will prove invaluable for advancing the university’s academic programs, and he brings to campus a wealth of experience in the development of entrepreneurship and business innovation in private and public partnerships.”

Vizzini said he came to the interview at the start of February’s historic snowstorm and met with university officials at the Wichita airport. 

“There was apprehension of course,” Vizzini said. “I was very excited to be joining so many people at Wichita State.”

Vizzini arrives at WSU with the familiar collegiate problems of budget cuts. But he’ll be dealing with the same issues on an unfamiliar backdrop.

 “I’ve been exposed to a lot of different ways of doing things,” Vizzini said. “It’s always good to take those things that you’ve learned elsewhere and apply them to a new position.”

After settling into Wichita with his wife, Vizzini begins working on campus July 1. He said he’s excited to become familiar with WSU culture before he begins.

 “You get to a point and you want to do more,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for growth.”