Posted on June 26, 2025 by Sean M. Wood
Dr. Chunjiang ‘CJ’ Qian
Dr. Chunjiang ‘CJ’ Qian is taking a well-deserved faculty development leave following an impressive record of leadership in Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design (Klesse College) as chairman of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE).
The initially six-month role lasted nearly 10 years for Qian. The Mary Lou Clarke Endowed Professor for Leadership and Professor of ECE said, “I did not expect to have the chair’s job for this long.”
His predecessor took a position at another university in 2016 and tried to convince him to take the chair. Qian was hesitant because the academic programs were undergoing accreditation review in the same year by ABET, formerly known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc.
“I didn’t feel I could take over that accreditation project, the department, and teach, but he convinced me,” he said. It was the first time Computer Engineering had gone through accreditation, which Qian said is one of the most challenging times. Yet, he stepped up and continued to serve.
From the beginning of the college
Qian started teaching at UTSA in 2001. It was his first faculty job after his PhD. “We set up the College of Engineering and also the Department of Electrical Engineering at that time,” he said. “I came with the founding dean of the college. I have grown with the college.”
Qian said he saw a lot of transitions. He focused on teaching and research, supporting the school’s goal of achieving R1 status. In 2016, he decided he should do something for the department.
“It was difficult at first,” he said. “With the help of our faculty and the dean, the ABET visit went well. After that, everything started going up.”
The department grew significantly under Qian’s tenure, increasing the number of students and faculty. Research dollars grew. Faculty published more high impact work, and the department became one of the most productive research programs helping the university achieve R1 status in 2021. Academically, the department had one of the largest graduate programs, with 100 PhD candidates at one time, and consistently produced industry-ready engineers and professors.
Eric Brey, Dean of Klesse College, says Qian exhibits all the characteristics of an excellent chair.
“CJ is an incredible leader and person. He cares deeply about the people in his department and consistently advocates for the students, faculty, and staff. He has been a great partner with the college and a critical leader in the growth and success of engineering at UTSA.”
Beyond the research dollars, the publications, students, and tenured faculty, Qian said he is most proud of the culture in the department. During UTSA Giving Day, 100% of the department’s faculty and staff contributed. A colleague who was part of a group performing an external review of the ECE department was impressed.
“He told me he knew how difficult it was to get such high participation,” Qian said. “Usually, you can get a participation rate of 20%. He told me that 100% was almost impossible. However, our faculty and staff feel good about this department. I feel very proud of that. They find it meaningful to contribute.”
Qian plans to complete a book during his leave. Then he will return to the classroom to teach in Electrical Engineering and continue supporting the department and college.
“I have been here for 25 years,” Qian said. “I hope that I can set an example for other faculty members, especially young faculty members. I try to be a role model and show them that they can find a future here.”
— Sean M. Wood
