About the Plan
The University of Iowa College of Engineering has a long and distinctive history of producing breakthrough knowledge, training the next generation of engineers, and translating our work for broad impact in our Iowa community, across the nation, and throughout the world.
As we developed our revised College of Engineering Strategic Plan, we asked ourselves what will propel this college for the next five years and beyond, reinforcing our academic excellence while also ensuring that we are accessible, welcoming, and unique. This new plan represents the culmination of the dedicated work of our college community and external stakeholders in a review process that focused on being forward-looking, building on our strengths, recognizing where we may have fallen short, and identifying opportunities for growth and recalibration.
In the pages of our executive summary and in the full Strategic Plan as well as on our Strategic Plan website, you will learn more about our work to improve the college climate and to diversify our faculty, staff, and students; our plans to enhance the student experience with a particular focus on recruitment and retention; our support for groundbreaking research innovations and the growth of our graduate student body; and our commitment to engaging with the community and partnering with industry, government, and funding agencies.
Strategic planning is about setting ambitious but achievable goals. Without a doubt, this plan positions us for continued research excellence and establishes this college as a destination that attracts the best and brightest students as well as innovative faculty and staff. It is our ability to come together as a community with a shared vision and mission that will continue to move our college forward as a leader in engineering education and research.
We are grateful and dedicated to everyone who believes in the future of the University of Iowa College of Engineering.
With excitement and commitment to our CoE community,
Harriet B. Nembhard
Dean, College of Engineering
Roy J. Carver Professor of Engineering
The College of Engineering at the University of Iowa is driven by talented faculty, staff, and students who are producing knowledge to address grand challenges around advanced technologies, health sciences, sustainability, energy, and the environment.
Our graduates are ethical, globally-aware citizens whose work while at the University of Iowa and throughout their careers make the world safer and our use of resources more efficient.
As a center of innovation and discovery, the people who make up the College of Engineering are undoubtedly improving quality of life for our Iowa community as well as for people across the United States and around the world.
To build an inclusive, diverse, and responsible community recognized for:
• providing an accessible, modern education in engineering and science for future, interdisciplinary leaders.
• advancing knowledge through fundamental and applied research.
• facilitating life-long learning and economic development.
College of Engineering summary of strategic goals
Our goals reflect our values and our plans for the future. They are both a recognition of where we can do more and better but they are also a concrete reflection of where we expect to take the college in the years to come.
1. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community
- To create an environment in which all members of the collegiate community—students, staff, and faculty—are welcomed, supported, and able to thrive.
2. Student Success
- To provide a transformative and personalized educational experience that prepares our graduates to become an engineer and something more.
3. Research
- To lead signature areas of research and economic development to drive breakthroughs that have societal impact, and
- To train graduate students to become outstanding technical leaders and innovative researchers.
4. Engagement
- To engage in mutually beneficial partnerships, boldly communicate our achievements, and build influence with state and federal decision makers.
- To acquire and steward private investments that strengthen the college and amplify our service for the common good.
