Manhattan University Welcomes New Dean for School of Engineering
Manhattan University today announced that Kathryn W. Jablokow, Ph.D., will be the new Dean of its School of Engineering. The first woman to hold this position at Manhattan, Dr. Jablokow will assume her leadership role on August 1, 2025.
"I truly am honored to be joining Manhattan University,” said Jablokow. “With its highly-regarded School of Engineering, I am eager to work with the entire faculty and staff to advance cutting-edge academic programs for our students, lead high-impact research initiatives, and drive institutional transformation - creating meaningful and lasting impact along the way.”
Jablokow comes to the University after five years at the National Science Foundation (NSF) based in Alexandria, VA, where she rose to be the Deputy Division Director of the Research, Innovation, Synergies, and Education (RISE) Division in the Geosciences Directorate (GEO). She managed a $130M Division budget across five technical incubators to launch new programs that supported NSF’s priorities in Advancing Emerging Industries, Translating Knowledge into Solutions, and Building a Resilient Planet. She also co-authored NSF’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Roadmap as the GEO representative on its AI Steering Committee. This experience will play an important role as Manhattan University partners with IBM through its SkillsBuild program designed to enhance students’ skills in AI, cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies. Jablokow served as a Program Director in the Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI) Division in the Engineering Directorate (ENG) at NSF, where she enhanced and revitalized the Engineering Design and Systems Engineering program and co-led the Engineering Research Initiation solicitation, which supports research activities at institutions like Manhattan University.
Jablokow’s academic experience is extensive. At Penn State University, she was an Associate Chief Academic Officer and a full professor; she remains Professor Emerita at the school. She coordinated faculty across four campuses to deliver a new online Masters of Business Administration graduate program; secured funding for a regional entrepreneurship and innovation hub; led two successful rounds of ABET accreditation; and conducted and published research in design cognition, artificial intelligence and design, and high-performance engineering teams. Additionally, she led the creation and implementation of a new regional, multi-campus four-year College of Engineering degree focused on Multidisciplinary Engineering Design.
She continues to serve on the Board of Governors of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) based in New York City. Her accomplishments there include facilitating the creation of the Committee on Sustainability, implementing strategies to update the relevance and value proposition of ASME, and serving as a member of the inaugural team that established the ASME Women’s Leadership Collective.
Frederick Bonato, Ph.D., President of Manhattan University, stated, “We are thrilled to have Kathryn joining us as Dean of our School of Engineering. With a legacy of alums who “built New York City,” she will add multi-dimensional leadership skills in AI, engineering design, and research management. Equally important, Kathryn will be a leading voice in developing industry partnerships and working with the deans of our Kakos School of Arts and Sciences and our O’Malley School of Business to develop problem solving leaders.”
Jablokow holds an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, and a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from The Ohio State University. She has received over $7.7M in externally-funded research projects, published extensively, and received numerous honors and awards. She is a Fellow of ASME (in addition to serving on its Board of Governors) and a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). She was a Visiting Faculty Scholar at Stanford University, a Visiting Research Faculty member at Sandia National Labs (Robotics and Automation), and an NSF/NATO Postdoctoral Fellow at the Institut für Bildsame Formgebung (Institute for Metal Forming) in Aachen, Germany.
The Manhattan School of Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in chemical, civil, computer, electrical, and mechanical engineering. Master’s programs are also offered in specialized areas such as construction management, as well as an advanced certificate in green power and sustainable energy. The undergraduate engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, the globally-recognized standard in engineering accreditation.
***
About Manhattan University
Founded in 1853, Manhattan University is an independent Lasallian Catholic institution located in Riverdale, NY that embraces students of all faiths, cultures, and traditions. The mission of the University is to provide a dynamic student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings. Manhattan University offers programs that integrate a broad liberal arts education coupled with a concentration in specific disciplines in the arts and sciences with professional preparation in business and engineering, ensuring graduates will excel in their chosen fields. The University consists of the Kakos School of Arts & Sciences, the O’Malley School of Business, and the School of Engineering. For further information, please visit www.manhattan.edu.