Selected Bios
John Orr - Provost
John A. Orr is Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Dr. Orr joined the faculty of WPI in 1977 and served as head of the Electrical and Computer Engineering department from 1988 to 2003. He received the BS and PhD degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign, and the MS degree in EE from Stanford University. At WPI Dr. Orr's research interests span several aspects of digital signal processing. Recent work is in the area of positioning systems, particularly precision personnel location, and he maintains an interest in signal processing applied to power systems. His other professional interest is in the area of engineering education where he has been involved in curriculum development at both the undergraduate and graduate levels as well as in assessment and accreditation activities. Dr. Orr is a member of the ABET Engineering Accreditation Commission and is a Fellow of the IEEE.
Alfredo DiMauro - Assistant VP for Facilities
Alfredo DiMauro, Assoc AIA joined WPI in May 2007 as Assistant Vice President for Facilities. Prior to that, Fred served for 10 years as Campus Planner and Assistant Director of Facilities Services at Skidmore College. He brings much energy, creativity, and excitement to WPI. His work at Skidmore allowed him to focus on creative problem-solving in the areas of planning, design, and construction, and on pursuing sustainability into a standard approach for building construction and renovation. He was a guest lecturer there in the First Year Experience, organized a regional conference on sustainability, and served on the Student Government Association’s Integrity Board for Judicial Affairs. He is an associate member of the American Institute of Architects and member of the Society for College & University Planning. He has 13 years of experience in healthcare design focused on the effect of the physical environment on the healing process, and he was instructed on clowning for sick children by Dr Patch Adams.
In his short time so far at WPI, Fred has been focusing on a number of efforts regarding sustainability, including expanding the recycling program, promoting more information of efforts behind the scenes, and green building issues in current construction projects and planning. He is a member of the President’s Taskforce on Sustainability and enjoys working with students and others on tactical and strategic opportunities for credible sustainable initiatives at WPI.
Fred received a baccalaureate degree in Architectural Engineering from Roger Williams University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Western New England College. After working for an architectural firm in Springfield, MA for 6 years, he transitioned into Facilities Management, where for the past 23 years he has overseen major building projects at facilities in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. He served till recently on the Board of Trustees at Saratoga Springs Central Catholic High School, and chaired the Building Committee at Saint Clement’s Church there in New York.
Fred is anxious to move his family back to Massachusetts, and to settle in the Worcester area. For their own personal sustainability and legacy, Fred and his wife Marie have constructed four children.
Janet Begin Richardson - VP for Student Affairs and Campus Life
Janet Begin Richardson has served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life at WPI since her appointment in 2004. In her capacity as Vice President, Janet is responsible for the delivery of student services to more than 3600 undergraduate and graduate students.
Janet joined WPI in 1980 as Assistant Dean of Students. During her more than 25 years in Student Affairs she has managed all aspects of Student Life and Enrollment Management and held the positions of Associate and Assistant Vice President; Dean of Students; and Associate and Assistant Dean of Students. Under her leadership, the offices of Diversity and Women’s programs were established at WPI as well as the Healthy Alternatives program which is WPI’s alcohol and drug program. Janet led the efforts for the construction of the Campus Center which opened in 2001 and is currently leading two projects for a LEED certified upper-class student residence and a Recreation and Fitness Center.
Off campus, Janet is involved with and has held office in numerous professional organizations including the American Council on Education; the Association of Student Judicial Affairs; NASPA; ACPA; and of course MCPA where she is past president.
Janet Richardson earned a BA degree in history education from Salem State College and an MS and Ed.S. in student personnel and counseling services from the State University of New York at Albany.
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: April 08, 2008 09:06:43