Drexel University’s College of Engineering marked five years of progress
under the leadership of
Dean Sharon L. Walker, PhD
, and unveiled plans for the future at its 2023 State of the College event
on Thursday.
The event celebrated Walker’s reappointment to a second five-year term as
dean. “We are extremely lucky to have Dean Walker with us,” said keynote
speaker Margaret C. “Peggy” Burns (BS ’73), chair of the college’s
Executive Advisory Council. “I cannot wait to see where she takes Drexel
Engineering over the next 5 years.”
In her remarks, Walker highlighted alumni accomplishments, saying graduates
make an impact "right after and long after" graduating from Drexel.
Examples included alumna Elizabeth Hoffman (BS ‘02, PhD ’07) being
nominated as
vice president of ASM International
and alumnus Archibald Filshill (MS ’95, PhD ’10) being named Delaware
Valley
Engineer of the Year
.
"Just when I think my pride level has been fulfilled by the achievements of
our alumni, it reaches new heights as they go on to do even more," Walker
remarked.
Walker also highlighted specific honors received by engineering faculty
members, including Caroline Schauer, PhD, being awarded the 2023
Elizabeth W. Bingham Award
from the Philadelphia chapter of the Association for Women in Science;
Charles Haas, PhD, being profiled in Risk Analysis for his pioneering work
in microbial risk assessment; and Yury Gogotsi, PhD, receiving the
Jan Czochralski Award
from the European Materials Research Society and earning induction into the
National Academy of Inventors
.
In enrollment, Walker reported increased undergraduate applications and
admits over the last year, along with positive momentum in first-year
retention. She also lauded growth in faculty awards for sponsored research,
which grew 43% over the previous year, to $18.7 million. The college also
launched new faculty seed grant programs to encourage collaboration.
Walker also highlighted diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within the
College of Engineering over the past year. She mentioned programs aimed at
expanding recruitment and retention of underrepresented minorities,
including the Dragons Prep and DELTA summer bridge programs. In the past
year, the college's DEI Committee participated in admissions events,
launched discussion series, and honored students, faculty and staff of color
through new legacy awards. Looking ahead, Walker said the college will
continue focusing on supporting student retention, offering training
programs, and engaging alumni.
"Creating a culture of inclusion and belonging takes time. We have made
great strides over the past five years, and looking ahead, we will continue
to focus efforts on supporting student retention, identifying and offering
programs and training for faculty, staff and student involvement as well as
alumni engagement," she remarked
In industry partnerships, Walker highlighted new graduate degrees and
certificates developed in collaboration with companies like
Lockheed Martin
and
Baltimore Gas & Electric
. "These new offerings are a direct response to workforce needs and
valuable credentials for those who want in-depth exposure to management
roles," she said.
Looking ahead, Walker said the college is developing a phased approach to
upgrading engineering facilities, starting with renovations underway in the
Center for Advanced Technology and Engineering. She also highlighted gifts
toward scholarships, faculty positions and diversity initiatives in the
past year, noting 100% giving participation from the Executive Advisory
Council.
Walker also took time to recognize the staff who help to recruit, advise
and mentor students. She acknowledged the collaborative efforts of all
stakeholders who collaborated on the accomplishments she had listed during
the address.
“Today is an opportunity for both thoughtful reflection on the last year,
and purposeful planning for the year ahead,” she said. “It is a time to
acknowledge the progress we continue to make on our strategic plan
implementation, while being thoughtful and intentional about where we go
next.”