2022 Letter from the Dean
A familiar refrain we have been hearing as we acclimate to life within a worldwide pandemic is wishing for things to get back to “normal.” And while I share that sentiment, I’m proud to be part of a discipline where we excel at adapting and adjusting to keep progress clipping along. We don’t have time to wait for normal!
As you may have learned by now, the College of Engineering welcomed the largest first-year engineering class in our history this fall, with more than 800 students. This is great news at a time some colleges and universities are struggling with dips in enrollment. Still, this growth creates challenges for everyone as we work to accommodate student needs, support our faculty and look toward strategic moves to strengthen our role as a collaborator in economic development.
We have excelled at doing great things with limited resources, but this only allows for incremental growth and limits our competitiveness. We are looking to invest in every aspect of the college, from facilities to faculty and staff to research opportunities, in order to effectively serve and help drive the economy of our region, state and nation.
If you’ve been to Northwest Arkansas recently, you know it’s one of the fastest-growing economies in the country. We believe the College of Engineering has the potential to be a driving force in further transforming the area by providing competitive engineering talent and working with industry on innovative research and targeted economic development. We are looking to build and strengthen strategic partnerships and increase public and private financial support to cement the college’s place as a catalyst to the region’s advancement.
My shorthand for this is that we want to be the educational destination of choice as the premier engineering college in the heartland. We appreciate your engagement and support as we refine and implement our vision for the college’s future.
My best,
Kim LaScola Needy
Dean
College of Engineering
College of Engineering Corporate Partners
