SMU Lyle names Alfredo Garcia new OREM Department Chair
Recognized as a leader in systems engineering, Garcia brings cross-disciplinary expertise and research excellence to drive innovation and real-world impact.
The SMU Lyle community is thrilled to welcome Alfredo Garcia as Professor and Endowed Department Chair of Operations Research and Engineering Management (OREM), effective August 1, 2025. Garcia’s expertise in cross-disciplinary investigation and track record of visionary leadership positions him as an excellent addition to pioneer the future of engineering research.
Garcia’s academic journey began at the Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1991. He went on to pursue post-graduate studies with the Universite Paul Sabatier in Toulouse, France, attaining his D.E.A. in Automatique et Informatique Industrielle. In 1997, he earned his PhD in Industrial and Operations Engineering with the University of Michigan.
Garcia comes to Lyle from Texas A&M University, where he held the Mike and Sugar Barnes Endowed Professorship III, serving as a professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering since 2018. Before joining the faculty, he held professorships at the University of Virginia and the University of Florida. He also served as Commissioner with the Colombian Energy Regulatory Commission and consultant to various companies and regulatory agencies in the energy industry. Derived from decades of commitment to mentoring the next generation of engineering leaders, Garcia brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and experience to Lyle students and faculty.
Much of his research is devoted to bridging the gap between theoretical framework and industry applications, examining innovations in game theory and stochastic dynamic optimization methodologies with applications to electricity and communications. His work carries significant potential for impactful interdisciplinary collaboration across Lyle departments in developing cutting-edge solutions to real-world industry challenges.
His lifetime contributions to the field of industrial engineering are well-recognized. Supported in part by the National Science Foundation, Garcia’s research has been published widely across high-impact journals, including Operations Research and IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control. Additionally, he’s received formal recognition by the Texas A&M College of Engineering for his commitment to academic excellence, a testament to his strength as a leader and educator.
SMU, recognized among the top research institutions in the nation following a recent promotion to R1 research status, is excited to welcome high-achieving faculty, like Garcia, in driving the next generation of engineering education. Please join the Lyle School in congratulating Alfredo Garcia on his recent appointment.
As a visionary in the integration of theory and practice in complex systems, SMU Lyle looks forward to the progress and perspectives Garcia will bring to the Operations Research and Engineering Management department and the Lyle community.
About the Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering
SMU’s Lyle School of Engineering thrives on innovation that transcends traditional boundaries. We strongly believe in the power of externally funded, industry-supported research to drive progress and provide exceptional students with valuable industry insights. Our mission is to lead the way in digital transformation within engineering education, all while ensuring that every student graduates as a confident leader. Founded in 1925, SMU Lyle is one of the oldest engineering schools in the Southwest, offering undergraduate and graduate programs, including master’s and doctoral degrees.
About SMU
SMU is the nationally ranked global research university in the dynamic city of Dallas. SMU’s alumni, faculty and nearly 12,000 students in eight degree-granting schools demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit as they lead change in their professions, community and the world.