Message from the Dean
Welcome back to ISU and the start of a new semester. As a native Pocatellan, I am excited to join the university at this juncture in ISU's history. We have the opportunity to work together to build programs within the College of Engineering to world-class levels. We are planning to organize the College of Engineering formally into departments which focus on the degrees we offer. As students, you won't notice much difference in your courses or in the management of the programs initially, but as time goes on, the departmental identity will emerge as a strength to employers and others outside the university. Each department will be led by a department chair who will help develop specific strategies for improvement in both our undergraduate and graduate offerings. We will be developing new opportunities for you to participate in research projects at all levels consistent with the goals of President Vailas, and leading to expanded opportunities in working with the Idaho National Laboratory and other regional industries.
As we go through this year, we will be strengthening our assessment of both courses and programs consistent with our continuous improvement objectives for each of our programs and with the requirements of ABET, our national accreditation body. Our chairs will be involving you in these assessments beginning early in the year. Our objective is to provide you with the best possible education to prepare you to be successful in your professional practice and to be leaders among your peers. We know you are the reason we are here and we are making our best effort to make your educational experience rewarding and exciting. We wish you all the best as we begin this academic year together.
-Richard T. Jacobsen