Chien-tsung Lu, an associate professor in the School of Aviation and Transportation Technology at Purdue University, will be the new director in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s School of Aviation. The appointment is effective July 1.
Robert D. Morgan, dean of SIU Carbondale’s College of Health and Human Sciences, said Lu brings myriad experiences in several areas to SIU’s nationally recognized aviation program. Lu will come to SIU Carbondale as a full professor.
“As we conducted a national search, I was very impressed with Dr. Lu’s commitment to student success, administrative experience that includes international collaborations and a very strong research record that will enhance our School of Aviation,” Morgan said.
Lu has been with Purdue University since 2008 and previously was with the University of Central Missouri. Lu’s experience includes serving as professor and dean at Nanshan Aeronautical College in Longkou, Yantai, China; chairman of Qingdao Airlines in China and with Nanshan Jet Co. Ltd. in Hong Kong, and as a member of the Virgin Australia Airlines board of directors in Brisbane. He is the U.S. coordinator for international training for safety inspectors and emergency response officers with the Civil Aviation Management Institute, Civil Aviation Administration of China.
“I am excited to collaborate closely with the respected colleagues at the School of Aviation and Dean Morgan to advance the proud tradition of the Saluki family,” Lu said. “We will focus on driving excellence in research, student services, interdisciplinary collaborations, high-quality curriculum and community engagement while embracing the values of diversity, equity and inclusion.”
Lu brings a wealth of expertise in aviation safety, system risk management and airline operations, cultivated through years of dedicated research and practical endeavors. His scholarly contributions encompass a wide array of refereed journal articles, conference proceedings, books and presentations. Recognizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, he has been instrumental in advancing aviation safety practices by conducting workshops and delivering training sessions.
Lu said he encourages collaboration among experts across departments, organizations and universities to drive research projects and develop grant proposals. He added that he is committed to advancing higher education in international aviation fields.
Lu earned a doctorate from the University of Nebraska with an aviation administration concentration and his master’s degree in aviation safety from the University of Central Missouri. He earned a bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics from National Chung-Hsing University in Taiwan.
The SIU School of Aviation offers multiple degree programs in aviation technologies, aviation management and aviation flight programs in a state-of-the-industry facility to more than 600 students.
(Editor’s note: Lu’s first name is pronounced “Jane-Zone.”)
