Dr. Christine “Chris” Hailey is a distinguished educator, engineer, and academic leader whose career has spanned scientific research, higher education administration, and teaching excellence. A native of Boulder, Colorado, she earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Colorado State University and later her M.S. and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Oklahoma, where she began her career in fluid mechanics research. She went on to serve at Sandia National Laboratories, where she provided technical leadership in parachute technology and unsteady aerodynamics, before moving into academia. Her faculty and leadership posts have included tenured professor at Utah State University, department chair at the University of Texas at Tyler, and senior associate dean and later dean of engineering at Utah State University. She joined Texas State University in 2016 as Dean of the College of Science and Engineering, a role she held for seven years before becoming a professor in the Ingram School of Engineering.
At Texas State, Dr. Hailey has championed student success, faculty mentorship, and research excellence. She helped advance the university’s progress toward R1 status and launched the ASPIRE program, an innovative initiative connecting first-year STEM students with faculty mentors and early research opportunities. Her leadership also strengthened external funding, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and faculty support across the college. She led efforts to develop undergraduate engineering programs in civil and mechanical engineering as well as new doctoral programs. Over her career, Dr. Hailey has secured more than $15 million in external grants, published over 60 papers, and earned recognition including the Utah Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology, the Society of Women Engineers Distinguished Educator Award, and multiple teaching honors. A licensed professional engineer and dedicated mentor, she has left a transformative mark on engineering education and on Texas State University’s College of Science and Engineering.