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Four months after joining Ohio State University (OSU) as dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Ayanna Howard, a roboticist, educator, and entrepreneur, gave a “shout out” to students, prospective students, and alumni in an email.

Howard joined OSU on March 1 from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she was chair of the School of Interactive Computing in the College of Computing, as well as founder and director of the Human-Automation Systems Lab.

Nationally, only 17% of engineering deans or directors across the country are female, according to the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).

In her “Summer Greetings from Dean Howard” email shared with US Black Engineer, OSU’ss engineering dean provided insights on her first four months on the job and a preview of what’s next.

Howard revealed plans to grow science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs as well as new pathways for internships and entrepreneurial endeavors.

The fields of engineering, architecture, and community planning develop solutions for the entire world with all its beauty and diversity,” Howard wrote. “Therefore, we should be preparing graduates that reflect the world’s unique demographics, including its gender, racial and ethnic diversity.

“If students don’t see themselves as an engineer, architect, or planner, they’re not likely to pursue paths to become one. Part of the solution is to hire more diverse tenure-track faculty in alignment with President Johnson’s new initiative called RAISE: race, inclusion, and social equity. If students see it, they can believe it… and then work to make it a reality. I want all of our students, staff, and faculty to feel like they belong. The world—and especially our nation—needs more STEM graduates. So let’s make more of them Buckeyes!”

Dr. Howard also announced her “Dean’s Roadshow” webinars, scheduled for July 21 and July 22.

Save the date: Dean’s Roadshow: Meet Dean Howard
Wed, Jul 21, 4 – 5 pm
Click here for more information.

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