Dean's Message
Dr. Charles L. Karr, Dean
To an engineer, numbers matter. In the field of engineering, almost every project is guided by numbers. We use numbers to measure values of time, temperature, weight, and many other variables to make sure that our projects are going to meet or exceed our expectations. The truths hidden in numbers lead us to approach problems from a different direction, or to stretch the limits of what is possible.
At the University of Alabama College of Engineering, we are generating some impressive numbers of our own. These numbers validate the work we are doing at UA and are helping us stretch our own limits. I would like to take a moment to share a few of our “numbers” with you:
- In 2007, engineering students account for more than nine percent of UA’s student population with total enrollment of 2,330 engineering students.
- Our outstanding 2007 freshman engineering class boasts 30 percent in honors programs.
- Since 2005, six UA College of Engineering students have been awarded the prestigious Hollings Scholarship.
- Since 2003, our College has had eight engineering student honors on the USA Today Academic All-American team. This is more than any other engineering college in the nation.
- Our research awards and expenditures continue to increase, with 2006/2007 expenditures at $16.7 million.
- UA Engineering faculty continue to add the accolades with 10 professors being named National Science Foundation CAREER Award recipients. More than 10 percent of our faculty has received this prestigious honor.
- With more than 15,000 engineering alumni, we’re proud to be annually expanding our family by graduating some of the best and brightest students throughout the Southeast.
These numbers are just a few of the superlative recognitions our students and faculty are achieving every day. UA engineering and computer science students are surpassing our expectations and are becoming the leaders of tomorrow.
As the demand for engineers and computer scientists continues to grow, UA’s College of Engineering is focused on preparing our students for the infinite number of opportunities available. Our impressive numbers would not be possible without the loyal support of our alumni and friends who have generously given scholarships that enable the College to provide our students superior educational experiences.
Although I have been on this campus for a quarter of a century, I am still excited by the changes that occur continually in engineering – within our college as well as out in the field. Given the opportunities provided by interdisciplinary research and the challenge of training graduates who will thrive in the demanding world of the professional engineer, our vision makes us the preferred engineering college in the state.
Charles L. Karr, Ph.D.
Dean