MANCHESTER - A Vermont college educator with 20 years of experience in the computer information field is the new dean of the University of New Hampshire at Manchester.

For the past four years, Ali Rafieymehr, Ph.D., has served as dean of the Division of Information Technology and Sciences at Champlain College in Vermont. He previously held positions as department chair and associate professor of computer science and information technology at Western New England University and teaching positions at St. Anselm College, University of Massachusetts Lowell, and Merrimack College.

He earned a Ph.D. in computer science and a master’s of science degree in computer engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and his bachelor of science degree in mathematics at the College of Mathematics and Economic Management in Iran.

John Aber, UNH provost, in announcing the appointment Wednesday, said Rafieymehr is well-prepared “to take the campus to the next level. He brings the combination of academic and industry experience that will guide the future of the university’s urban campus.”

His appointment is effective July 1. He replaces interim Dean Sally Ward.

Dr. Rafieymehr’s experience includes a 20-year career as a software engineer at Digital Equipment Corp. and Avici Systems. In his second career in higher education, he has served as a professor, department director, and dean. He has played a leadership role in developing student scholarships and designed the Kids in Technology and Science (KITS) program to spark interest in science and technology among female middle school and college students.

Rafieymehr will take over the position on July 1.

Rafieymehr, in a prepared statement, said that “under the leadership of Dr. Sally Ward, the faculty and staff at UNH-Manchester have created an exciting teaching and learning environment to help our students be successful lifelong learners. It is a great privilege to be asked to lead the University of New Hampshire-Manchester and I look forward to working with the faculty, staff and students and partnering with businesses and organizations in the greater Manchester area. Together, we can make the greater Manchester area a growth and learning center for our students and business partners.”