MACON, Ga. — Dr. Vicki Britt has been named dean of the Mercer University School of Engineering, effective June 1. Currently serving as senior vice president of innovation, engineering and flight at Gulfstream Aerospace in Savannah, Dr. Britt will retire from this role in May to begin her work at Mercer.
In making the announcement, Dr. Lisa Murphey Lundquist, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, said Dr. Britt brings to the position deep industry experience, a strong track record in research and innovation and a knowledge of Mercer gained through nine years of service on the University’s National Engineering Advisory Board (NEAB).
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Vicki Britt as the next dean of the School of Engineering,” Dr. Lundquist said. “Dr. Britt brings significant industry experience, a collaborative spirit and dedication to innovation, which make her an ideal leader to guide the School into its next chapter. We look forward to the insight, momentum and strategic direction she will bring to the role.”
Dr. Britt succeeds Dr. Laura Lackey, Kaolin Industry Chair and professor of environmental engineering, who has served as dean since 2018. During her tenure as dean, the Mercer School of Engineering became the leading producer of engineering Goldwater Scholars in the country. Under her leadership, the School also expanded Mercer On Mission prosthetics projects in Vietnam and Cambodia, introduced clean water projects in the Dominican Republic, implemented a mercury capture system in Peru and supported STEM education initiatives in Jordan. The School also added academic programs in civil engineering and cybersecurity.
Dr. Lackey joined the faculty in 1998 and will continue to teach in the School of Engineering. She received the School of Engineering Teacher of the Year Award in 2001, 2007 and 2015, and was also named to the All-Southern Conference Faculty Team in 2016. She served as chair of the Environmental Engineering Department for five years before transitioning to associate dean in 2013.
“Mercer University is a better place due to Dr. Laura Lackey’s service on the faculty and as dean of the School of Engineering,” Dr. Lundquist said. “Throughout her tenure, she has expanded opportunities for students, championed academic excellence and strengthened the School’s reputation. Dr. Lackey leads with integrity, deep care for her community and an unwavering commitment to Mercer’s mission. We are profoundly grateful for her years of dedicated service, and we celebrate the lasting impact she leaves on generations of engineers who will help shape our world.”
Named to her current position at Gulfstream in May 2021, Dr. Britt has been responsible for research and development; new aircraft program initiation; engineering and product development; flight, lab and structural test; and worldwide Gulfstream flight operations.
“I am excited and humbled to be joining the Mercer University team as dean of the School of Engineering,” Dr. Britt said. “As a longtime Gulfstream representative on the National Engineering Advisory Board at Mercer, I truly appreciate the Mercer mission to develop technically competent engineers with strong leadership skills who endeavor to change the world. I look forward to further bringing this mission to life.”
Dr. Britt joined Gulfstream in 1996 and has held a number of roles with increasing responsibility in stress, fatigue and damage tolerance; new product development; and airframe engineering. She has also served as staff scientist and director of aircraft structures. Before her appointment to senior vice president, Dr. Britt was chief engineer and program manager of Gulfstream special missions.
Dr. Britt began her aerospace career at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia.
She holds a doctorate in aerospace engineering from Old Dominion University and earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from North Carolina State University.
In 2017, Dr. Britt was appointed to Mercer’s NEAB, established in 1986 to support the School of Engineering by offering students and faculty premier research opportunities, contributing technical expertise and financial support, and providing career opportunities to Mercer’s graduating engineers.
“I am confident that the School of Engineering will continue to innovate, flourish and expand its impact under Dr. Britt’s leadership,” said Mercer President Dr. Penny L. Elkins. “She already knows a great deal about Mercer through her years of service on our National Engineering Advisory Board, as well as her experience in hiring many Mercer engineers at Gulfstream. She also has experienced the University as a Mercer parent.”
Dr. Britt and her husband, Wade, have three daughters: Kate Britt, Claire White and Amelia Britt-Spencer, a 2019 graduate of Mercer’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
