WebsEdge/Education

The new Department of Engineering at Wake Forest University (WFU) welcomed its inaugural cohort of engineering students in August 2017. Integrating the intimacy of an undergraduate liberals arts college with the academic vitality of a research university, the new program is uniquely positioned to educate the whole engineer by embodying the WFU motto of Pro Humanitate (for humanity) through strong values and commitment to character and leadership. The founding team of faculty (75% female engineers) launched a successful first year curriculum that included five unique projects, from design to research to client-based to community engagement, in support of internship-ready students at the end of year one. Doubling initial enrollment predictions, the student body (N=54) represents gender (40% women), ethnic (20% minorities), and geographic (18 US states and 10 countries) diversity. With a 90% retention from fall to spring semester, the department is innovating in the curriculum and its culture. The shared department values of empowerment, integrity, inclusion, compassion, growth, and joy lay the foundation for every facet of the department (i.e., classroom environment, promotion and tenure guidelines, curriculum development, space design, etc.). These values, which some would describe as character aspirations and virtues, define the new program. The vision for the WFU engineer (faculty and students) is to be (a) leaders and agents of change, (b) active seekers and creators of knowledge, (c) empowered with the engineering fundamentals that is strengthened with the breadth of an exceptional liberal arts education, (d) adaptive experts that recognize the strengths and limits of his/her knowledge and team, (e) innovators by embracing inclusion, diversity, and equity, and (f) fearless in the face of complex problems.