Michel named president of Webb Institute

   R. Keith Michel, chairman of the Herbert Engineering Group of Cos., has been appointed president of the Webb Institute.
   Michel, an alumnus of the school, will succeed Robert C. Olsen Jr., who will retire after eight year as the school’s president. Michel, who has been serving as chairman of the board at Webb, will be succeeded by George Campbell Jr., a physicist who was president of The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art from 2000-2011.
   “Much of my success as a naval architect and businessman is attributable to the education I received at Webb Institute,” Michel said. “Webb is a truly unique institution of higher learning, where each student receives a full tuition scholarship, an outstanding education in systems engineering, a blend of rigorous academic and hands on work experience, and assurances of a job upon graduation. Higher education is undergoing dynamic change, and I look forward to working with Dr. Campbell and all of Webb’s stakeholders as we seek to further enhance the Webb experience.”
   “Keith was a natural choice for us. His professional business experience will help open doors for our students as well as for fundraising,” said John Russell, chair of the search committee.
   Webb Institute is a top-ranked undergraduate engineering institution, offering one academic option, a double major in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering. The school was founded in 1889 by William H. Webb, a preeminent shipbuilder, entrepreneur, and philanthropist of the 19th century. It is located on the grounds of the former Herbert L. Pratt estate, “The Braes,” in Glen Cove, N.Y., on Long Island Sound. All accepted students are awarded four-year full-tuition scholarships. – Chris Dupin