NEWS

Louisiana Tech University mathematics alumnae and professor emeritus Dr. Jenna Carpenter has been selected as the president-elect of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), the national engineering education society dedicated to the professional needs of engineering educators.

Carpenter served in several leadership roles over 26 years with Louisiana Tech’s College of Engineering and Science (COES). She served as program chair of the mathematics and statistics program, director of multiple programs within the College, associate dean of administration and strategic initiatives, and associate dean of undergraduate studies for the COES.

During her tenure at Louisiana Tech, Carpenter was active in diversity and education initiatives, founding the Office for Women in Science and Engineering to provide professional development and mentoring opportunities for women faculty and students within the College. She also helped found the Louisiana Tech chapter of the National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenge Scholars program, an interdisciplinary, co-curricular program that prepares students to address 21st century global problems.

After retiring from Louisiana Tech, Carpenter became the founding dean of the School of Engineering at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina, where she implemented a hands-on, project-based curriculum similar to the Louisiana Tech College of Engineering and Science first- and second-year engineering Living with the Lab program. At Campbell University, Carpenter continues to develop new ways to incorporate collaboration, communication, leadership, and learning into engineering and extracurricular programs for students.

“I am so grateful for my time at Louisiana Tech,” she said. “The College of Engineering and Science provided me with valuable opportunities to create and lead many curricular, extracurricular and administrative efforts in an innovative environment. These models continue to inform my work.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Dr. Carpenter during her time at Louisiana Tech,” said Dr. Hisham Hegab, dean of the Louisiana Tech College of Engineering and Science. “Many of her initiatives, such as OWISE and the Louisiana Tech chapter of the Grand Challenge Scholars program, continue to have an impact on the College. I am pleased that the ASEE has recognized her accomplishments and dedication to engineering education.”

Carpenter will serve a yearlong term as ASEE president-elect from June 2021 through May 2022 and will then serve a year as organization president beginning in June 2022.