Elizabethtown College Dean of the School of Engineering and Computer Science and Professor of Engineering Sara Atwood was recently named Co-Chair Elect on the Undergraduate Experience Committee (UEC) Leadership Team for the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Engineering Deans Council.
“It’s incredibly meaningful to be recognized by colleagues I deeply respect,” Atwood said. “The fact that peers in the engineering dean community see leadership in the work I’m doing – not only nationally, but also here at Elizabethtown College – speaks volumes about the strength and innovation of our Etown programs. I see this as a reflection of both my national leadership and the way Etown Engineering and Computer Science continues to punch above its weight.”
In her role, Atwood will help to organize and facilitate programming at the annual ASEE conference each June, including a large session for academic leaders to explore timely issues in undergraduate engineering education, a networking social event, a business meeting, and two technical sessions.
Atwood was nominated for the role by fellow Deans of Engineering at institutes across the country and was selected for the position from a pool of eight nominees. She’s been engaged with the UEC for several years.
The UEC leadership is always shared between one Dean of Engineering at an undergraduate-focused institution and one Associate or Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Education at a larger institution. Atwood will serve for three years, first as co-chair elect to observe and learn, then as chair, and finally as past chair to support the incoming team.
“With so much shifting in higher education— funding uncertainty, policy changes, and evolving student needs – I hope to help create space for Engineering Deans to connect, reflect, and lead with confidence,” Atwood said. “This is also a moment of opportunity to reimagine what undergraduate engineering education can and should look like in a rapidly changing world. I want to help our community rise to that challenge together.”
Atwood holds an active role in the ASEE and was also installed in her second term on the ASEE Engineering Dean’s Council Executive Board this past summer.
