CEAT making academic changes to propel the college forward
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Media Contact: Desa James | Communications Coordinator | 405-744-2669 | desa.james@okstate.edu
The College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology is expected to see academic and leadership changes within the Division of Engineering Technology, the School of Materials Science and Engineering, the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the School of Architecture.
The Division of Engineering Technology and the School of Materials Science and Engineering will transition into two new schools: The School of Materials, Mechatronics and Manufacturing Engineering (MMME) and the School of Fire, Construction and Emergency Management (FCEM).
MMME will house the mechanical engineering technology, electrical engineering technology, mechatronics and robotics, and materials science and engineering programs.
FCEM will house the construction engineering technology, fire protection and safety engineering technology, and fire and emergency management programs.
In addition to the change in schools, CEAT appointed four new school heads who will start their positions on July 1.
Dr. Jim Smay has been appointed the school head for MMME. After earning his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign in 2002, Smay began at Oklahoma State University as an assistant professor. In 2008, he was promoted to associate professor, professor in 2018 and in 2021, he became the school head for MSE.
Dr. Heather Yates has been appointed the school head for FCEM. Yates joined OSU Construction Faculty in 2006 as an assistant professor. In 2010, she was promoted to associate professor and in 2012, she earned her Ed.D. She accepted the position as program coordinator of construction engineering technology in 2013. Yates was then promoted to professor in 2020.
Professor Nathan Richardson has been appointed the school head for the School of Architecture. Richardson began teaching for the SOA in 2009 after receiving his Master of Design Studies from Harvard University Graduate School of Design. He was promoted to associate professor in 2014 and became professor in 2023. Richardson is also a Riata Faculty Fellow for The School of Entrepreneurship.
Dr. Mark Krzmarzick has been appointed the interim school head for the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Krzmarzick earned his Ph.D. in 2011 from the University of Minnesota and began teaching for CIVE in 2013. He became an associate professor in 2019 and was promoted to professor in 2025.
“The reorganization and new leadership provide a conducive environment for faculty and support the offering of in-demand and forward-looking programs to students,” said Dr. Hanchen Huang, dean of CEAT. “I look forward to working with the school heads to advance CEAT and OSU and serve the state of Oklahoma.”