Frank Hart serves as the dean of the School of Engineering Technology and Computer Science at Bluefield State College (BSC) in Bluefield, W.Va. From 1987 to 2004, he was chair of the Division of Engineering Technology and Computer Science at BSC. He served in ranks from assistant professor to professor in civil engineering technology at BSC from 1968 to 1987, with release time to serve one-year appointments as registrar, director of admissions and director of pre-engineering. The School is recognized for close relationships with industry resulting in outstanding placement of graduates and industry contributions for program development and laboratory equipment.



Mr. Hart also serves as the president of the Center for Applied Re-search and Technology (CART) in Bluefield, W.Va., since 2003. CART was created to enhance the competitive position of the college for applied research opportunities, to expedite and simplify the acquisition and utilization of research contracts; to improve technology transfer, and to link applied scientific research and technological advancements to economic development. CART is a non-profit, non-stock 501 (c) corporation. CART’s primary activities include DARPA (unmanned vehicle development), cyber-infrastructure applications and web course management systems.



From 2003 to 2006, while he was acting dean, Mr. Hart served as external evaluator for the National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, “Diversity in Engineering Technology” at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. For NSF, he has reviewed Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) grant proposals since 2003. In addition, he has served as facilitator for eight workshops on NSF Advanced Technological Education (ATE) grants, “Technology Education Initiative” with the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). His involvement with ABET includes chairing of the Technology Accreditation Commission (TAC) and serving on several “change agent” type committees for ABET. He also chairs the Awards Committee for ABET and is a member of the ABET Financial Model ad hoc committee, the Governance Task Force, and the ABET International Activities Accreditation Council. Mr. Hart has served ABET as an ASCE program evaluator since 1979 and represented ASCE on TAC for five years.



Over the years, Mr. Hart has served in different capacities for several scientific and professional societies, including: president and member of the presidium of the International Society for Mine Surveying; chair, Mine Surveys Committee of the American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM); president, Southeast Chapter of West Virginia Society of Professional Engineers; president, the West Virginia Association of Professional Surveyors; member of American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Virginia Association of Surveyors; chair, Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology, Inc.; and program evaluator for ASCE and ACSM.



In 2003, Mr. Hart was honored with the ABET Fellow Award for his visionary leadership and service through implementation of performance-based criteria for the engineering technology community. Bluefield State College honored him with the “Outstanding Faculty” Award in 1995. In addition, he was given the “Surveyor of the Year” Award by the West Virginia Association of Professional Surveyors and the “Russell Cousins Excellence in Teaching Award.”



While maintaining his busy schedule, he finds time to serve on the Board of Directors for the Bluefield Coal Show, the Bluefield Baseball Club (affiliate of Baltimore Orioles), the CorteFort Chiswell Construction Company, and Anderson and Associates. In Bluefield, he served as president of the Bluefield, Virginia Kiwanis Club; he coached Little League baseball for more than 20 years; and he has served on numerous ad hoc committees for regional development. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, fishing, camping, and genealogy.



Hart has a host of relevant publications relating to funded projects, mine surveying and deformation measurements, CART activities, and consulting activities. He authored chapters on mine surveying for the ASCE Engineering Surveying Manual and The Surveying Handbook. He has been active in consulting assignments with several energy companies, developers, and other institutions.



Mr. Hart received his Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Tech in 1967 and his Master of Science degree in 1968, both in civil engineering. He is a professional engineer and professional surveyor.



Frank is married to Carol Sue Morgan. They have three children: Tonya of Roanoke; Angie and her husband, David Keyser, of Hot Springs; and Paul of Chicago. All three graduated at Virginia Tech. Three grandchildren, Mason, Kendall, and Matthew Keyser live in Hot Springs.