Charlton (Chuck) Bonham, 2011-present
John McCamman, 2009–2011
Donald Koch, 2008–2009
John McCamman, 2007–2008 (interim)
Loris “Ryan” Broddrick, 2004–2007
Sonke Mastrup, 2003 (interim)
Robert C. Hight, 1999–2003
Jacqueline E. Schafer, 1996–1999
Boyd H. Gibbons, 1991–1995
Pete Bontadelli, 1987–1991
Jack C. Parnell, 1984–1987
Don Carper, 1983–1984
E.C. Fullerton, 1975–1983
G. Raymond Arnett, 1969–1975
Walter T. Shannon, 1960–1968
William E. Warne, 1959
Seth Gordon, 1951–1958. Gordon was the first director of the department after its elevation from the status of division.