May 2024

 

2024 ECEDHA Annual Conference: Dean's Perspective Panel

During the 2024 ECEDHA Annual Conference, the Dean’s Perspective Panel provided an enlightening discussion on leadership challenges and the evolving roles within academic administration. The panel featured:

  • Mingyan Liu (Alice L. Hunt Collegiate Professor of Engineering, Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, University of Michigan)

  • Jill Nelson (Associate Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering; Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs in the CEC) 

  • Kathleen Melde ( Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs and Inclusion, College of Engineering and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering)

 

Navigating Career Transitions
Dr. Mingyan Liu opened the discussion by addressing the challenge deans face as they move away from direct engagement with faculty and students. She highlighted the importance of continuing to teach, even in an administrative role, as a way to maintain connections within the academic community. Dr. Kathleen Melde shared her journey and the decisions involved in moving from department head to an associate dean position. Drawing on the advice of mentors and reflecting on her experiences during periods of institutional change, Dr. Melde stressed the significance of understanding and adapting to the cultural dynamics of different departments within a university.

 

The Importance of Community and Culture in Leadership
The panelists discussed the critical role of community and maintaining a connection to the academic and local community despite the administrative distance that leadership roles often entail. Dr. Jill Nelson shared that being new to a dean role, you must be aware that your personal experience is helpful, but it is only part of the picture. Dr. Melde noted the diversity of departmental cultures and the challenges of leading across such diverse groups. She emphasized the need for leaders to be visible in their strengths and weaknesses, suggesting that vulnerability can foster a more supportive and trusting administrative environment. Both Dr. Liu and Dr. Melde spoke about the realities of administrative decision-making, which often requires making impactful decisions with limited information.

 

Engineering and Student Activism

In the current climate, where students are increasingly engaged with social and political activism, engineering departments must address and incorporate the realities of these movements within their curriculum and campus culture. As highlighted by the panelists, integrating social justice and sustainability into the engineering curriculum is essential. This integration ensures that students are not only technically proficient but also aware of their work's broader social, ethical, and environmental implications. Dr. Nelson pointed out the significant role engineers play in society and the impact of their work on improving the quality of life. By enabling students to express and engage with political viewpoints productively, engineering programs can prepare graduates who are problem solvers and responsible global citizens equipped to handle the challenges and opportunities of a diverse world. The political engagement of students is a reality that universities must manage with sensitivity and encouragement. The panel emphasized the importance of providing tools and forums for students to explore and express their beliefs constructively, fostering dialogue and understanding rather than division. Dr. Liu noted the need for academic programs to do more to prepare engineers to navigate the complexities of modern societal challenges. 

 

Preparing for Departmental Review
The department review cycle can be daunting, and a question by an audience member about how to improve this process allowed the panelists to provide examples of how they address these challenges at their universities. Dr. Liu recommended that her faculty and administrators become ABET evaluators to gain a deep understanding of the accreditation standards and criteria. This insight allows them to better prepare their programs for accreditation because they know precisely what evaluators will be looking for. Regular and systematic data collection facilitates ongoing monitoring and assessment of program outcomes. This allows for the early identification of areas needing improvement and the implementation of corrective actions promptly. There was also a discussion on the integration of new programs within the accreditation framework, emphasizing the need for adequate documentation and innovative program planning. Dr. Nelson shared her thoughts on integrating new programs and maintaining quality within the constraints of accreditation cycles. She stated, “ABET should not govern pedagogical innovation but should serve as a strong documentation and assessment.” Her perspective underscored the critical role that documentation and structured processes play in meeting accreditation standards and fostering innovation within academic programs.  

 

Fostering Undergraduate Engagement
Deans have a role in ensuring that departments attract and retain ECE students. Dr. Nelson stressed that while some aspects of the undergraduate experience students may not find “fun”, educators should find a way to explain why the skills they are learning are valid and relevant to their future work opportunities. Faculty should be able to explain to undergraduate students what it is like to be an engineer in practice.  Dr. Melde noted that providing co-op experiences and encouraging students to engage in internships early in their academic careers are effective strategies for improving retention. The conversation also covered strategies for enhancing diversity and inclusion within engineering programs. This includes creating a sense of belonging, particularly for underrepresented and underserved students, which is crucial for their success in engineering education. The panelists discussed the importance of engaging potential engineering students from a young age to foster interest and excitement about the field, particularly through hands-on and practical experiences that highlight the impact and relevance of engineering. 

 

The Dean’s Perspective Panel provided valuable insights into the complexities of academic administration, highlighting the balance between maintaining personal engagement with academic life and managing the broader administrative responsibilities that come with leadership roles in higher education.