WPI Appoints Five Professors to Tenure Track for Teaching Faculty

WPI Appoints Five Professors to Tenure Track for Teaching Faculty

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) has added five teaching professors to the university's pioneering tenure track that recognizes and rewards excellence in teaching. The appointments took effect July 1.

"These five faculty members are accomplished educators in diverse fields who have shown a commitment to WPI's students and the university's distinctive approach to learning," says Andrew Sears, WPI provost and senior vice president. "I am delighted that they have the opportunity to pursue tenure at WPI."

Research universities such as WPI typically award tenure only to faculty members who balance teaching, research, and service. WPI launched a second tenure track in 2021 for full-time faculty members whose primary responsibility is teaching.

Including the five new appointments, a total of 48 teaching faculty members have been appointed to the innovative tenure track since 2021 and nine have been awarded tenure.

New appointments:

Melissa Kagen has been appointed an assistant professor of teaching in the Interactive Media and Game Development Program.

Svetlana Nikitina has been appointed a professor of teaching in the Department of Humanities and Arts.

Raul Orduna Piconhas been appointed an assistant professor of teaching in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

William Sanguinet has been appointed an assistant professor of teaching in the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

Wilson Wong has been appointed an associate professor of teaching in the Department of Computer Science.