Torres named dean of OSU-OKC School of STEM
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Media Contact: Matthew Price | Communications Manager | 405-945-6733 | matthew.l.price@okstate.edu
Dr. Mauricio Torres was recently named the Dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Workforce development and a vision for academic excellence in technical fields are at the forefront of Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City’s STEM plans, thanks to Torres' vision. He brings academic and workforce experience to this role with a bachelor’s degree in business, a master’s in engineering management and a Ph.D. in industrial and systems engineering. This degree allows him to optimize complex processes and systems — skills he now applies to educational leadership.
“I am an engineer,” Torres said in a recent interview. “My background is in mechanical and manufacturing engineering.”
Torres’ journey into academic leadership began after years of professional experience in engineering and management. He said the transition to education was a natural career evolution, driven by a desire to influence the next generation of STEM professionals.
“At some point, I realized I wanted to be more involved in shaping programs and leading schools,” Torres said. “It wasn’t always the goal, but it became clear that I could make a broader impact this way.”
As dean, Torres will oversee the strategic direction of OSU-OKC’s STEM programs, including curriculum development, faculty support and student engagement initiatives. His appointment comes as the university expands its STEM offerings to meet growing demand in Oklahoma’s industries, particularly in engineering, technology and applied sciences. These industries fall within the many OSU Polytech programs.
Torres’ multidisciplinary background positions him to lead with technical insight and administrative acumen. His experience in systems engineering and management gives him a perspective on how to align academic programs with real-world workforce needs.
“I’ve always looked at engineering not just as a technical field, but as a system that connects people, processes and outcomes,” he said. “That mindset helps when you’re building educational programs that need to be both rigorous and relevant.”
Torres emphasized the importance of accessibility and inclusion in STEM education, noting that OSU-OKC’s mission aligns with his values of creating opportunity through learning.
“STEM education should be available to everyone,” he said. “It’s a powerful tool for social mobility and economic development, especially in communities like ours.”
In his new role, Torres plans to strengthen partnerships with local industries, expand hands-on learning opportunities and support faculty in delivering high-impact instruction. He also aims to increase enrollment and retention in STEM disciplines by making programs more responsive to student needs and career pathways.
Torres’s appointment reflects OSU-OKC’s broader commitment to innovation and excellence in technical education. With his leadership, the School of STEM is poised to grow its impact across the region, preparing students for success in a rapidly evolving job market.
“I’m excited to help lead this next chapter,” Torres said. “We have the talent, the resources and the community support to build something truly transformative.”
For more information about OSU-OKC’s School of STEM and its academic programs, visit https://osuokc.edu/academics/schools/stem.