Troy, N.Y. — Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson today announced the appointment of John A. Minasian, Ph.D., as Vice President and Dean at Rensselaer at Hartford. Minasian, who has had a successful career in the information technology industry, as an entrepreneur, and as an educator, comes to Rensselaer from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) where he leads the education for working professionals programs.

“John Minasian is a proven leader as a manager, educator, and entrepreneur.  He brings valuable experience and a strong record of success in building programs to educate working professionals,” said President Jackson. “Based on the Hartford campus, Rensselaer’s education programs for working professionals emphasize the university’s core strengths in science, engineering, and technology. Under Dr. Minasian’s able leadership, we will continue to develop high-quality, focused academic offerings capable of attracting the brightest executives, and other working professionals.”

Minasian’s corporate experience in the information technology industry has spanned marketing, information services, consulting, and executive management.  He has held professional positions at several IT companies, including Data General Corporation; Interdata Inc., now Perkin-Elmer Data Corporation; Dennison Manufacturing Company; and Wang Laboratories. He founded his own company, Five Star Inc., and served as CEO of Cirrus Computers Inc., a worldwide manufacturer of IBM PC-compatible computer systems.

He joined WPI in 1993 as a faculty member in Management and Mechanical Engineering. He was appointed Director, School of Industrial Management in 1998; Dean, Corporate Education in 1999; and Dean, Extended Education in 2003. In these leadership positions he capitalized on new technology to deliver successful extended educational programs in 48 countries on six continents. 

Minasian earned all of his degrees from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering, and a Ph.D. in systems and operations engineering.

Minasian will join Rensselaer on February 1, 2005.

CONTACT:

Troy: Theresa Bourgeois (518) 276-2840
Hartford: Robin Micket (860) 548-7894