Robert Prins named interim head of engineering

Since the inception of JMU’s Engineering program in 2008, Dr. Robert Prins has been instrumental in shaping its curriculum, mentoring students, and advising capstone projects.

Now, as he steps into the role of interim department head, Prins is focused on hiring and supporting new faculty and strengthening industry relationships to increase program vitality.

“I have a strong commitment to our Engineering program and value the personalized, hands-on engineering education we provide,” said Prins.  As student interest in our program continues to grow, I want to do my best to ensure that we have what we need to maintain this approach.

Prins earned a Master’s in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Virginia in 1996.  He spent five years at Perceptron Inc. as an applications evaluation engineer and product engineer in the machine vision field. He also worked for one year as a suspension engineer at Visteon Inc., a tier-one automotive component supplier, before earning his doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech in 2005.

A lifelong automotive enthusiast, Prins has always been drawn to vehicles and the engineering behind them. "I have a passion for vehicles," he said. "I follow developments in electric vehicles, autonomy, and internal combustion engines to stay current with emerging trends in the field." His expertise has made him a valuable mentor for students working on vehicle-based capstone projects, guiding them through hands-on problem-solving and real-world applications.

"It’s important that students take ownership of their projects," Prins said. "I provide guidance and serve as a resource when needed, but ultimately, it’s their project, their vehicle, their opportunity to learn. There’s a balance between offering support and allowing them to navigate challenges independently."

Beyond capstone projects, Prins is also engaged in department-wide initiatives, including the Co-op program, which provides students with real-world industry experience. Looking ahead, he plans to strengthen relationships with local and national companies to expand hands-on learning opportunities for students and collaboration opportunities for faculty.

“As a department, we’ve already identified strengthening of industry relationships as a priority, and I want to continue supporting that,” Prins said. “By deepening these connections, we can create more pathways for students to transition into the workforce.”

Another priority is ensuring students have the resources to succeed as the program grows. The department is hiring three new faculty members, a process Prins sees as critical to maintaining the program’s high instructional standards. “It’s important that we bring in faculty who can serve our program well, teach in key areas, and mentor students effectively,” he said. “As enrollment grows, we want to ensure students continue receiving the personalized attention and hands-on learning experiences that make JMU Engineering unique.”

"Dr. Prins has been a key part of JMU Engineering from the beginning, and his deep understanding of the program, industry experience, and dedication to student success make him the right leader for this transition," said Jeff Tang, interim dean of JMU’s College of Integrated Science and Engineering. “We’re grateful he’s stepping into this role and confident the program will thrive under his leadership.”

Looking ahead, Prins is excited to lead a program he has helped build from the ground up. “We have incredible faculty and staff who are dedicated to our students,” he said. “I value this program, and that’s why I’m stepping into this role—to keep us moving forward and ensure we continue to thrive.”