UK Pigman College of Engineering Dean Rudolph G. Buchheit named provost at University of Cincinnati
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 13, 2026) — Rudolph G. Buchheit, Ph.D., is resigning his position as Rebecca Burchett Liebert Dean of the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering at the University of Kentucky to serve as executive vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Cincinnati (UC), effective June 1.
Buchheit will serve as UC’s chief academic officer — overseeing colleges and academic operations, while helping to advance strategic priorities in teaching, research and student success.
“This is a bittersweet moment. I have learned a great deal and built lasting friendships with our faculty, staff, students and alumni,” Buchheit said. “I’m proud of all the college has accomplished and of the way it has been accomplished — with character, passion and commitment.”
Buchheit became the 11th dean of the Pigman College of Engineering July 1, 2018.
“Serving this college has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life,” he said.
During his tenure, Buchheit advanced the college’s mission in meaningful and lasting ways. He expanded academic opportunities by launching new undergraduate programs in biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering and artificial intelligence, and by establishing the Department of Engineering Technology, which includes programs in lean systems engineering technology and computer engineering technology.
The college also strengthened its identity through the revitalization of the Grehan Building and by uniting under the name Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering.
Beyond the classroom, Buchheit helped strengthen the college’s research enterprise and academic foundation through the recruitment of 75 tenure-track faculty members. During this period, the college doubled annual research expenditures to nearly $60 million, launched major interdisciplinary initiatives — including a $50 million multi-institutional collaboration in additive manufacturing — and secured more than $165 million in campaign commitments supporting its future.
“These accomplishments reflect the collective talent, dedication and shared sense of purpose that define this community,” Buchheit said. “What I will carry forward most are the relationships — the passion of our faculty, the determination of our students and the tireless efforts of our staff that make this college truly exceptional.”
Buchheit earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering science from Loyola University Maryland and his master’s and doctoral degrees in materials science from the University of Virginia. He served as chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Ohio State University from 2006 to 2014. Prior to that, Buchheit was a senior member of the technical staff in the Materials and Process Sciences Directorate at Sandia National Laboratories in New Mexico.
His research focuses on corrosion science and engineering, with emphasis on the chemistry and electrochemistry of corrosion, corrosion modeling and prediction, particularly in aluminum alloys and related systems. Buchheit also has expertise in surface engineering, including surface modification and corrosion-resistant coatings.
“Dr. Buchheit’s unwavering dedication and support for our students, faculty and staff in the Pigman College of Engineering have been instrumental in transforming how we prepare the next generation of engineering professionals to lead innovation in Kentucky,” UK Provost Robert DiPaola said. “He has helped create new degrees and pathways for success in the college, including a degree in artificial intelligence, allowing our students to be responsive and prepared for the challenges they will face in a high-tech and fast-paced workforce. I am deeply grateful for his service to UK and our communities we serve, and I know he will continue to bring a positive impact to many more in his new role.”
Later this week, the Office of the Provost will issue a call for nominations for an interim dean and members of an advisory committee. It is anticipated that the nomination period for both will close on April 24.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $1.02 billion research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.