The University of Utah’s School of Computing (SoC) is pleased to announce that professor Mary Hall has been named the new director of the School of Computing. She is replacing Ross Whitaker, who had been the director for the last six years. The change will take effect July 1.

“The appointment of Mary Hall as the next Director of the School is great news for the both the School of Computing and the University,” Whitaker said. “Mary’s credentials in both scientific accomplishments and service are exceptional. I believe she has a great vision for the future of the School, and I am confident that she will take the School in some new and important directions.”

Hall joined the School of Computing in 2008. She was promoted to full professor in July 2012. She has over 25 years’ research experience in programming systems for high-performance computing.

Mary received her bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degree from Rice University. Prior to joining Utah Hall was a Research Associate Professor in Computer Science at the University of Southern California.

As the new director, Hall will be responsible for internal leadership, administration, and external representation of the School—including managing relationships with other campus entities, and industry. She will provide vision and lead the faculty in establishing and implementing strategic plans, and will work collaboratively with faculty to implement the School’s priorities for advancing its status in research and education.

“I am excited by this opportunity: the promise of the SoC, its talented and growing faculty, its vibrant and growing student population, and the support provided by the administration and legislature through the Engineering Initiative,” Hall said. “I believe the SoC is poised to make great strides over the next several years in building a strong program that is a centerpiece of computing activity, not only for our university, but also for our city and our state.”