Eight years ago I was attracted to the University of Notre Dame by Father Theodore Hesburgh’s vision of creating a great Catholic university. As president of Notre Dame for 35 years, and one whose contributions to the University were transformational, Father Ted envisioned an institution that provides undergraduate educational experiences of high quality, has world-class graduate education and research programs, and combines its Catholic mission with a strong commitment to diversity. As I now prepare to step down as dean of the College of Engineering, I am prompted to reflect on the extent to which these goals are being achieved and on work yet to be accomplished.

While there is never room for complacency, any objective assessment of our undergraduate programs would conclude that they are exceptional and distinctive. The first-year curriculum has been enriched; each of our degree programs has been strengthened; numerous opportunities are provided for undergraduate research; and our students leave with a good understanding of today’s societal, corporate, and global manifestations of engineering. We are blessed by a faculty culture that attaches a high priority to undergraduates and by undergraduates of high aptitude and character. Notre Dame’s uniqueness derives from a combination of the foregoing attributes with a faith-based environment characterized by strong commitments to community and service.

In graduate education and research, we remain a work in progress. Limited by our size, we have endeavored to think strategically and act collaboratively. We have experienced strong growth in areas such as environmental science and engineering, aeronautics and aeropropulsion, nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, and wireless communications. Our graduate student enrollment and research expenditures have increased by approximately 40 percent and 100 percent, respectively, and we are on track to relieve our space constraints with two new buildings. However, the environment for funding research and for recruiting outstanding faculty and students is becoming ever more competitive, and we must maintain our resolve if we are to close the gap currently separating us from the nation’s top programs.

I will leave my position with a deep sense of gratitude to those who brought me to Notre Dame, to the faculty and staff with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working, and to the many alumni and friends of the college for their support. The next dean will find a strong and dedicated faculty with high aspirations, an excellent student body, and a University administration that is focused on taking Notre Dame to the next level. Opportunities will no doubt be accompanied by challenges, but I am optimistic that Notre Dame will continue on its trajectory of becoming a great Catholic university.

Frank P. Incropera
Matthew H. McCloskey Dean of Engineering
H.C. and E.A. Brosey Professor of Mechanical Engineering