Meet Dave Ford: A lifelong learner ready to lead the MSU Bagley College of Engineering

David M. Ford

If you want to spark a conversation with Dave Ford, teach him something. A lifelong learner, Ford is always eager to expand his knowledge. As the new Bagley College of Engineering dean and Earnest W. and Mary Ann Deavenport, Jr. Chair, Ford brings a wealth of academic and administrative experience to the role. His passion for learning, which has kept him in academia throughout his career, fuels his excitement as he steps into this new leadership position. Ford is excited to dive into his new role and build upon the college’s strong foundation.

“The college has a strong foundation and infrastructure that is just waiting to be built upon,” Ford said. “I’m excited to collaborate with the faculty, staff, and students to discover new opportunities for growth and innovation."

A native New Yorker, Ford was raised by parents who valued education. His interest in math and science blossomed in high school, leading him to pursue a degree in chemical engineering at the University of Buffalo. There, a professor encouraged Ford to explore research, sparking an academic career path spanning decades.

During his faculty years, Ford was drawn to academic administration, and he took on roles such as Associate Head for the undergraduate program at Texas A&M early in his career. Since then, he has worked at various universities, including positions in western Massachusetts and Arkansas. Through these diverse experiences, Ford is eager to bring a collaborative mindset to Mississippi State.

“Mississippi State and the Bagley College of Engineering have established numerous collaborative opportunities on campus and in industry,” Ford said. “I’m looking to grow those collaborative efforts and foster new ones. Especially with MSU’s centers, the state’s junior colleges and our state-wide industries. I want to ensure we take full advantage of every opportunity to allow our students to thrive as engineers after graduation.”

Ford's research background is in molecular simulation, focusing on developing synthetic membranes for chemical separations. Pulling from his research background, he said that he’s excited to learn about the work the college’s faculty, staff and students are conducting. In fact, Ford noted that one of the things he is most eager to do in his new role is to learn from the college's researchers and explore ways to further integrate the work of the college's centers with the academic programs.

Beyond his academic interests, Ford is also an avid hockey fan, with a particular fondness for the Philadelphia Flyers. He and his wife of 32 years, Kristen, have two grown children - a fifth-grade math teacher and a chemistry PhD student. The couple, along with their 12-year-old black lab, Ella Mae, are looking forward to making Starkville their new home.

By: Camille Carskadon