TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology President Jim Conwell has been inducted into the Vanderbilt University School of Engineering’s Academy of Distinguished Alumni for his professional achievements as a leader in higher education and industry.

Vanderbilt Engineering Dean Philippe Fauchet called Conwell and the newest Academy members “influencers” with tremendous impact. “They have broken barriers, built outstanding careers, and guided and shaped engineering education while enriching the lives of those in their communities and beyond,” Fauchet stated.

In 2013, Conwell became Rose-Hulman’s 15^th president and has continued to help the institute build on its reputation as the top undergraduate engineering school in America, while also earning national recognition in science and mathematics education. He has concentrated on increasing opportunities for students from across the world to attend the college, forged relationships with business and industry, and expanded opportunities for students to develop the entrepreneurial mindset to address 21^st-century challenges.

The native of McMurray, Pa., completed a doctorate in mechanical engineering, with a minor in electrical engineering, at Vanderbilt in 1989. He earlier received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Tennessee. In addition to finding educational and research opportunities at Vanderbilt, Conwell also had the opportunity to teach a number of undergraduate classes.

Conwell and his wife Angela, also a mechanical engineer, have two adult children.