From the Dean

We are well into summer, and like the rest of the University, the College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences hosts many programs, research projects and camps typical of this time of year. We have been busy, and as the awards, initiatives and partnerships highlighted in this issue indicate, we continue to be recognized and rewarded for the quality of our research and educational programs.

This month in particular, we showcase the generosity and leadership of several of our alumni. Mechanical engineering alumnus Bob Stanzione and his wife, Kaye, have pledged a Cornerstone Gift to the college that includes support for student scholarships, the faculty of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Dean’s Excellence Fund. Also this month, the University announced that electrical engineering alumnus Charles K. Watt has been named a recipient of the Clemson Medallion, the Board of Trustees’ highest honor. Both the Watt and Stanzione families have been perennial supporters of Clemson and this college through their financial gifts and their leadership, and I am deeply grateful for their support.

In this issue we also recognize our progress in diversifying the STEM talent pipeline. Our Women In Science and Engineering (WISE) program recently received three national awards from the Women in Engineering ProActive Network, including two individual honors for its directors. And just one day prior to this announcement, we learned that this fall our college will welcome eight of the 12 students joining the inaugural cohort of the University’s Bridge to Doctorate Graduate Fellowship Program, a significant step in our broadening the Ph.D. talent pool. President Clements’ leadership has been instrumental in developing this program, which will strengthen diversity in the STEM fields.

This issue also highlights two members of the college who recently won awards for their research and mentoring and provides an update on the collaboration involving the School of Computing, the College of Education and a rural middle school in the Upstate. Their dedication and outstanding work are representative of our students, staff and faculty and the reason for our continued success.

In this issue we also say goodbye to Brad Putman, who is leaving Clemson after 28 years as a student, faculty member and administrator to become the Garman Dean of the College of Engineering at Bucknell University; at the same time, we welcome O. Thompson Mefford as the new associate dean for undergraduate studies. It is bittersweet to see Brad leave, but the undergraduate program will be in good hands with Thompson.

As you can see, our summer thus far has been productive, and you, our alumni, friends, and supporters have played a critical role in these and our many other accomplishments. You can continue to support the next generation of innovators, scholars, engineers, entrepreneurs and scientists by clicking the “Make a Gift” link below. Your contributions of time and treasure are key to our success, and I wholeheartedly appreciate all that you have done and continue to do for this college.

I hope you are enjoying a safe, relaxing, fun-filled summer, and I look forward to welcoming you back to campus this fall.

Sincerely,