Thursday, March 27, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
In this engaging workshop, we will examine the key challenges and opportunities faced by emerging leaders in mechanical engineering education. Guided by experienced department heads and dean, this session aims to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to excel in your new role.
Speakers:
• Joseph J. Rencis, Ph.D., P.E., Associate Dean of the School of Engineering and Professor, College of Aviation Worldwide, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Jalal Torabzadeh, Ph.D., Chair and Professor, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department, College of Engineering, California State University, Long Beach
• Vukica Jovanovic, Ph.D., Professor, Batten Endowed Fellow & Chair, Engineering Technology Department, College of Engineering, Old Dominion University
Session Outline:
- 9:00 am: Call to Department Leadership. Transitioning from faculty to department head requires a shift in mindset from being a sole contributor to an advocate, decision-maker, and leader for the department. Knowing how to prioritize your commitments to various stakeholders, including yourself, can be challenging. We will explore strategies for developing leadership skills to help you successfully navigate the transition.
- 9:30 am: Assessing the Strategic Position of the Department. As a new department head, making important decisions that will impact the department's future can be overwhelming. Understandably, you may be missing vital information to make informed decisions. This session will explore ways to learn more about the department's history and strategic position within the college and university. Doing so will allow you to fill any knowledge gaps and feel more confident in your decision-making abilities.
- 10:00 am: Break
- 10:15 am: Fostering a Culture of Belonging in the Department. Fostering a culture of belonging in your department is essential for productivity, engagement, and community. It is critical to create an environment where all faculty, staff, and students are respected and valued regardless of their perspectives or backgrounds. Implementing such best practices as recognition programs, team-building activities, recruiting and hiring diverse faculty, and more creates strong relationships, promotes collaboration, and yields increased innovation and performance. A focus on belonging benefits individuals and enhances department success and community.
- 10:45 am: Establishing an Effective Industry Advisory Council. An advisory group can be a game-changer for your department’s success. Whether you refer to it as a board, committee, or council, it is essential to have well-defined goals. Recruiting members who align with your department’s mission and support its strategic priorities is crucial for the council's success. The council can assist in various areas, such as providing advice on curriculum and programs, acquiring resources, sponsoring capstone projects, hiring students, and engaging alumni. This session will explore key issues in establishing an effective industry advisory council.
- 11:15 am: Break
- 11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Takeaways and Summary.