From the Dean

Greetings!

It is my honor to serve as interim dean of the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering. I’ve had a front-row seat to the amazing work happening all across the college, and I can’t wait to share some of it with you in this latest issue of Impact.

Engineering is central to the land-grant promise: practical education that solves real-world problems for the public good. Consequently, the college is central to what makes our land-grant mission real and our university great. This includes our role as a driver of enrollment by bringing the best and brightest students from across Kansas and the region to Manhattan.

Our efforts in this area are setting the tone for the broader university community, with engineering boasting the largest incoming class among all K-State colleges. We also help lead the institution in generating new research funding, which is critical to the development and application of innovative technology that has real impact right here in Kansas. Finally, engineering alumni are among the most generous in giving their time and treasure to advance the college and university mission.

Central to this work is our unwavering commitment to the university’s land-grant mission. Engineering at K-State has always been about more than just theoretical discovery. It is about preparing an outstanding workforce for industry that advances both our graduates and the industries and communities they serve. It is focused on practical application that improves the lives of Kansans and the global community. You will see how our research is being deployed directly into the field to ensure the fruits of our laboratories provide tangible benefits to the industries and citizens we serve. This dedication to service and economic development remains the foundation of our future success.

One challenge of utmost importance to our college research, education and engagement efforts is energy. Our world is hungry for safe, reliable, affordable and resilient energy. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, our departments are collaborating like never before to power our world more efficiently, sustainably and securely. I hope you’ll take the opportunity to read how each of our eight departments is converging to solve the global energy puzzle.

Sustainability is another of the defining grand challenges of our time, and energy is only one piece of the solution. That’s why the college is dedicating much of its research capacity to the food–water–energy nexus: the interconnected system of resources essential to every community. Because decisions in one area — using water for energy production or energy for irrigation — create ripple effects across the others, advancing smart, integrated solutions in this nexus is critical to long-term security and sustainability.

We are excited to share the innovative strides our alma mater is making to redefine the future of engineering.

Bradley A. Kramer, Ph.D.
Interim Dean and Ike and Letty Evans Engineering Chair