New year brings changes


Maria Klawe begins term as new SEAS dean

The new year 2003 rings in many new beginnings--most notably for me, I begin my term as Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) here at Princeton University.

I am very excited to be part of this outstanding engineering school, one that has the added benefit of being an integral part of one of the world's leading liberal arts universities.

Since my appointment last June, I have had one foot in Princeton and one foot in Vancouver, and it is indeed gratifying to finally have both feet firmly planted here in SEAS.

My six months' transition was constructive and beneficial. I met many of the wonderful people I will be working with closely in the years to come.

People like Jim Sturm '79, who has been a wonderful mentor and friend to me while he took on the responsibilities as acting dean for the last six months.

People like Patti Tracey, who as the acting dean's assistant helped both Jim and me learn the administrative ropes.

People like the legendary teacher David Billington '50, whose class on the history of flight made me want to be an undergraduate again.

People like Shirley Gaw, a graduate student in computer science, who, like me, is eager to work on increasing the participation of women graduate students in engineering and computer science.

People like Don Dixon '69, who gave a wonderful dinner for me at his home in Atherton, Calif., so that I could meet some of the many highly successful Princeton alumni in Silicon Valley.

And especially President Shirley Tilghman, who has put engineering and applied science at the top of her academic priorities for the University.

These are only a handful of the literally hundreds of people inside and outside Princeton who have inspired me with their warmth, enthusiasm, and encouragement over the last few months. The generous sentiments expressed by everyone have made me feel very welcomed indeed.

This transitional period also gave me a chance to get a small head start on the tremendous opportunity we have in front of us.

Engineering, applied science, and technology are increasingly important to every aspect of today's society. Doing the best engineering education and research requires collaborating with a broad range of disciplines, ranging from the arts, humanities, and social sciences to basic science and mathematics.

Today, the leaders in every aspect of society need a strong foundation and an understanding of technology, and engineering concepts and principles need to be a part of their education.

Because of these two factors, engineering schools around the world are working to strengthen their interactions with the other parts of their universities.

SEAS has the opportunity to be a leader in this new engineering reality. We have the level of excellence and creativity that is needed, both in SEAS and in the University as a whole.

We have an excellent track record of innovative collaborations in education and research established under Dean Wei's leadership.

We are small enough that we can move quickly to take advantage of new opportunities. We are small enough that a moderate investment in additional faculty and facilities can have enormous impact on what we can accomplish.

During the next few months we will be working, with abundant input from inside and outside of Princeton, to draft a new strategic plan for the SEAS in setting our goals and direction for the future.

We will be looking at our curriculum, our research, our facilities, our relationships. There will be many opportunities for you to participate in the process by sending suggestions, commenting on draft plans, attending meetings, or serving on planning committees. We will welcome your input throughout the process.

The easiest way to reach me is usually by e-mail at klawe@princeton.edu. I'm also happy to meet with individuals or to talk by phone, either of which can be arranged by contacting my assistant, Marianne DeVuono at (609) 258-2881 or devuono@princeton.edu.