Peterson approved the recommendation earlier this month, submitted on behalf of the College’s nine school chairs and four associate deans. Achievements cited under Giddens’ leadership, which formally ended June 30, include the College’s international reputation for excellence in engineering, the preeminence of its faculty and the growth of its sponsored research funding. During his tenure, the College has awarded engineering degrees to nearly 25,000 graduates at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.

“Don’s energy, enthusiasm and dedication to engineering is felt by those of us who have had the pleasure of working with him,” Peterson said. “The credit for our reputation for engineering excellence resides in the quality of our faculty, and with this honor we recognize Don’s leadership and stewardship, under which the College has flourished.”

An alumnus of Georgia Tech three times over, Giddens has been a member of the faculty for more than 40 years. He is the past president of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineers; this year, he will serve as president the American Society for Engineering Education.

Giddens, who has served as dean since 2002, announced last fall his intention to step down at the conclusion of the academic year. In addition to his professional activities, he plans to continue working on his research in cardiovascular fluid mechanics on a part-time basis.