EL PASO, Texas (Feb. 26, 2026) – The University of Texas at El Paso has named Marc Knecht, Ph.D., the new dean of the College of Science. In this role, Knecht will oversee academic programs, faculty development, research initiatives and student success efforts across the College of Science, advancing UTEP’s reputation as America’s leading Hispanic-serving university. In Fall 2025, more than 3,500 students were enrolled in the college.
UTEP has named Marc Knecht, Ph.D., the new dean of the College of Science. In this role, Knecht will oversee academic programs, faculty development, research initiatives and student success efforts across the College of Science, advancing UTEP’s reputation as America’s leading Hispanic-serving university. In Fall 2025, more than 3,500 students were enrolled in the college.
“Dr. Knecht is an experienced academic leader for one of our most important colleges,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson.
Knecht has built a distinguished academic career as a scientific leader. After earning his Ph.D. in materials chemistry at Vanderbilt University and completing a postdoctoral research appointment at The University of Texas at Austin, Knecht became an assistant professor of chemistry at the University of Kentucky.
In 2011, he joined the University of Miami, where he held faculty positions and key leadership roles, including serving as chair of the Department of Chemistry for five years. Knecht led interdisciplinary research as associate director and long‑time member of the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Biomedical Nanotechnology Institute (BioNIUM).
His dedication to education is reflected in his extensive teaching portfolio, leadership of large‑enrollment gateway courses and long‑standing involvement in undergraduate research and mentoring at all academic levels.
“The College of Science will play a major role in UTEP’s accelerating trajectory as a national research university, and Marc Knecht is well prepared to lead that progress,” noted Provost John Wiebe, Ph.D. “He brings the experience and energy necessary to build on the strong foundation that exists in the College.”
An internationally recognized expert in bio‑inspired nanotechnology and materials chemistry, Knecht’s research focuses on biomimetic materials synthesis, catalysis, environmental remediation and energy‑relevant nanotechnologies. He has authored more than 120 peer‑reviewed publications and has secured substantial external funding from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense and the American Chemical Society.
Knecht’s broad and comprehensive expertise across these scientific disciplines positions him to advance innovative research initiatives and lead collaborative teams in addressing complex scientific endeavors.
“UTEP’s mission, momentum and impact resonate with me, particularly its commitment to student success and its growing national profile in research,” said Knecht. “The College of Science has a strong foundation, and I look forward to working collaboratively with faculty, staff and students to strengthen academic programs, support faculty scholarship and grow interdisciplinary research that addresses regional and global challenges.”
Knecht will assume the role of dean of the College of Science on July 1. He will be joined in El Paso by his spouse, Leslie Knecht, Ph.D., a chemist and award-winning educator, along with their two children and their dog, Proton. The family looks forward to hiking together in the El Paso region.
Last Updated on February 26, 2026 at 12:00 AM | Originally published February 26, 2026
By MC Staff
UTEP Marketing and Communications