(Sioux City, Iowa – October 5, 2026) Briar Cliff University has appointed Luis Ramón Rojas-Solórzano, Ph.D., as the founding director of engineering programs. Dr. Rojas brings more than 37 years of experience in higher education, engineering education, and research to the University.
Dr. Rojas joins Briar Cliff University from Nazarbayev University in Kazakhstan, where he most recently served as associate provost for graduate studies. During his time at Nazarbayev University, he also served as an associate professor in the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences and held leadership positions overseeing graduate programs. 
As founding director, Dr. Rojas will help lead Briar Cliff’s engineering dual-degree partnership with the University of North Dakota (UND). Through the program, students can earn a B.S. in mathematics or natural science from Briar Cliff, while completing an ABET-accredited B.S. in (chemical, civil, electrical, or mechanical) engineering from UND.
The new engineering program has already generated strong interest among students, reflecting growing demand for engineering opportunities at Briar Cliff.
“Dr. Rojas brings an extraordinary depth of engineering and higher education experience to Briar Cliff,” said Brian Peterson, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs. “His background in teaching, research, academic leadership, and program development will be an important asset as Briar Cliff builds a local engineering program that provides students with both a strong academic foundation and meaningful pathways into engineering careers.”
Dr. Rojas’ academic expertise includes mechanical engineering, thermofluidic sciences, computational fluid dynamics, energy systems, and clean energy technologies. Throughout his career, he has taught undergraduate and graduate engineering courses and mentored students through master’s and doctoral research.
Before joining Nazarbayev University, Dr. Rojas spent more than 25 years at Universidad Simón Bolívar in Venezuela, where he served as a tenured professor and led the university’s mechanical engineering program.
Dr. Rojas earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in hydraulics engineering from Universidad Simón Bolívar before earning a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.
At Briar Cliff, Dr. Rojas will teach foundational engineering coursework while helping develop the University’s engineering program, advising students, and building connections with regional engineering and manufacturing organizations.
"I am grateful to the Briar Cliff community for this opportunity,” Rojas said. “I will give my best to help grow student-centered engineering programs of excellence, so students can enjoy their studies, fulfill their professional aspirations, and become highly prepared to serve others with skill, ethics, care, and lasting positive impact."
Briar Cliff’s engineering program provides students with a pathway to pursue engineering while remaining fully engaged in the Briar Cliff community. Students can participate in BCU’s campus life, athletics, and financial aid opportunities while completing their dual-degree coursework.