Eric W. Kaler

Eric W. Kaler is the 11th President of Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and holds a Professorship in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the Case School of Engineering. His career spans over four decades in academia, with leadership roles at the University of Minnesota (President, 2011-2019) and the University of Delaware (Dean of Engineering, 2000-2007).

• Education: Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering (Caltech, 1978), PhD in Chemical Engineering (University of Minnesota, 1982).
• Research Expertise: Chemical engineering fundamentals, with over 200 peer-reviewed publications and 10 patents.

His leadership priorities at CWRU include expanding research expenditures (now $554M annually), launching the $300M Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building (ISEB), and hiring 100 new tenure-track faculty by 2028. He advocates for community engagement, evidenced by initiatives like the Wade Park Community Engagement Center and Cleveland Scholars program.

• Awards & Affiliations: Board member of the Greater Cleveland Partnership; former roles include Provost at Stony Brook University and Chair of Chemical Engineering at the University of Delaware.

His legacy includes national leadership in STEM education, university fundraising, and fostering innovation through academic-industry partnerships.