Kenneth C. Hover, Cornell University professor of civil and environmental engineering, has been named associate dean for undergraduate programs in the College of Engineering, Dean John Hopcroft has announced.

The three-year appointment is effective July 1. Hover will be responsible for enhancing the undergraduate experience for engineering students, interactions with other colleges at Cornell, quality of instruction and the overall student learning experience. Hover replaces Gerald Rehkugler, who retired at the end of spring semester.

"One of the most important issues," Hover said, "is to make sure students end up in the program that is right for them. We want to let students know as early as possible in their college experience what engineering is all about. We know we have a first-class research program; we want to make sure we have a first-class undergraduate engineering experience, as well."

John Hopcroft, the Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering, said: "The strength of our undergraduate program is vital to the Engineering College. We want to consistently improve the education we offer so that our graduates have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. Ken is uniquely qualified to lead the college in this effort."

Hover earned undergraduate (1972) and graduate (1974) degrees from the University of Cincinnati, and a doctorate from Cornell (1984), all in civil engineering. He came to Cornell in 1984 as associate professor upon completing his doctorate. Previously, he was a project engineer building bridges over the Ohio River; worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; was partner in a structural engineering firm that designed the $60-million Hamilton County, Ohio, Correctional Facility; and was involved in the restoration of deteriorated structures.

His research focus is in the understanding of materials technology in the design and construction industry, particularly concrete, and how it interacts with the environment. He investigates the effects of placing, finishing and curing of concrete by such means as neutron radiography, mercury porosimetry, scanning electron microscopy and thermal measurements in Cornell's Concrete Laboratory.