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Dean’s welcome

Dean Leo Kempel standing in front of stairs with a hallway in the background (blurred) showing students studying in the STEM building

 

Welcome to the Michigan State University College of Engineering, where we engineer a healthier, safer, and more sustainable world. With a rich history dating back to 1888, our college is one of the oldest and most sought-after academic options at MSU with more than 7,000 students, 11 undergraduate degree programs, 11 graduate degrees and growing.

Each day, we focus on developing innovative engineers and computer scientists who solve complex transdisciplinary problems and drive economic development, both locally and globally. These bright and industrious students are taught by a world-class academic team that includes 297 faculty across eight departments and one interdisciplinary program.

Through innovation and socially conscious service within a culturally rich, intellectually open, and intentionally inclusive environment, we strive to fulfill our 2023-2028 mission, vision and strategic plan, which outlines the objectives and key progress measurements we hold ourselves to. Our Inclusion and Diversity efforts continue to expand with a focus on providing a supportive, positive, and safe environment where everyone can belong and thrive, while Outreach and engagement activities help us establish long lasting partnerships and collaborations with alumni, industry, and corporations and foundations.

We know today’s engineering programs must adapt to a digital transformation in the workforce, so we engage with regional employers and adjust our academic offerings to prepare graduates to support them. Our First-year Engineering CoRe Experience regularly draws attention for the robust support and opportunities it offers students just beginning their engineering journey.

Spartan Engineers remain in demand, with more than 500 employers hiring our graduates at an average starting salary of $73,921. The Center for Spartan Engineering connects thousands of students to businesses and corporations through internships, co-ops, jobs within education and research, and training opportunities in specialty areas such as energy, health, materials, mobility, defense, security, and sustainability. We are incredibly proud of our graduates for preparing to tackle the grand challenges of our time and bringing science and innovation into everyday life and living.

With $62.5 million in annual research expenditures, our college continues to be recognized as an international leader in composites research and acclaimed internationally for biometrics, pattern recognition, computer vision, machine learning, and image processing. We continue to optimize our space and facilities to translate research into industry practice, including construction of a new Engineering and Digital Innovation Center in partnership with the State of Michigan and private donors. Today, Spartan Engineers study and work throughout the Engineering Building, Wonders Hall, William A. Demmer Engineering Center, STEM Teaching and Learning Facility, IQ Building, Engineering Research Complex, MBI Building, and Trout Building, as well as the BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Composite Materials and Structures Center, Composite Vehicle Research Center, Energy and Automotive Research Lab (EARL), Fraunhofer USA Center Midwest, and Infrastructure (fire) Lab.

There is so much to celebrate and share. We welcome the opportunity to talk with you about our groundbreaking research, award-winning faculty, exceptional students, and ever-expanding resources and facilities, so please let us know how we can help you engage with the College of Engineering at Michigan State University.

GO GREEN!

Leo Kempel
Dean