Dr,. John “Ned” Riester is a Teaching Full Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Lehigh University. He joined the Lehigh faculty in 2026 following a distinguished 30-year career at the Virginia Military Institute (VMI), where he was a longtime educator, mentor, and departmental leader.
Dr. Riester’s expertise spans fluid mechanics, hydraulics, and general civil engineering infrastructure. Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his commitment to engineering education and student development. He previously served as the Department Head of Civil and Environmental Engineering at VMI for 11 years and directed the Summer Transition Program for incoming students for nearly two decades. His dedication to the "whole student" is evidenced by his extensive service as a class advisor and his involvement in community service projects and cadet organizations.
A veteran of the United States Navy, Dr. Riester served 10 years on active duty, primarily within the submarine force, before transitioning to academia. His unique background informs his teaching style, which emphasizes leadership, discipline, and the practical application of engineering principles. He is also an author, having chronicled his decades of experience in the upcoming book All Right Sir.
Teaching and Service
Dr. Riester is a licensed Professional Engineer in Virginia and has held numerous leadership roles in academic and military environments. In addition to his tenure at VMI, he served as a Distinguished Visiting Professor at the United States Air Force Academy. At Lehigh, he continues to focus on undergraduate education, student mentorship, and departmental administration.
