Alumnus to direct engineering
school
By Matt Poston
Staff
Writer
Though the Washington Huskies defeated Purdue in
January’s Rose Bowl, the Boilermakers gained a valuable asset from
the victorious school.
Fred Mannering, a professor and chair of the department
of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Washington,
has been named the new head of Purdue’s School of Civil Engineering,
effective June 15.
Mark Bowman, a professor of civil engineering and
head of the search committee, said that Mannering would become a benefit
for Purdue.
"Mannering has expertise and he will be able
guide us to the future," said Bowman
Bowman, along with the rest of the search committee,
interviewed five finalists for the position. The committee met with
the faculty to determine criteria for choosing a new head.
Among those criteria were a willingness to work
with both graduate and undergraduate students, to continue research
and attract funding and to continue to maintain positive relations with
alumni.
Bowman said Mannering was the best candidate because
of his experience, research and genuine interest in students.
"Mannering was the faculty adviser for Washington’s
American Society of Engineers while he was department head," said
Bowman. He said this is a rare occurrence at many universities and shows
Mannering's sincere interest in students.
Mannering, who received his master’s degree
in civil engineering from Purdue, said he is exciting to return to his
alma mater.
"It feels great to return Purdue. There is
something about being a Purdue alum that inspires great loyalty,"
said Mannering. "I was even cheering for Purdue to win the Rose
Bowl even though I have been a professor at Washington now for 14 years,"
he said.
Mannering said he believes he can continue to improve
on the successes the School of Civil Engineering has already experienced.
"My goal is to make civil engineering at Purdue
the best it can be. To do this, I plan to draw on my administrative
experience at Washington and take the time to thoroughly understand
the culture of the School of Civil Engineering at Purdue to determine
which initiatives are needed and which ones will work," he said.
"Purdue's School of Civil Engineering has
an outstanding reputation and it is my job is to work closely with faculty,
staff and students to improve upon that reputation," said Mannering.
Students will also be a top priority for Mannering
when he arrives at Purdue.
"I have always been a strong supporter of
student needs," said Mannering. "I plan to be heavily involved
in student activities and will seek out and listen to student concerns
about the school and curriculum. Student input and satisfaction are
key ingredients for improving civil engineering education at Purdue,"
he said.
But the transition process won’t be easy for
Mannering, and he acknowledged that it would take a lot of work to prepare
for next fall.
"The biggest challenge will be to get up to
speed on the strengths, weakness, resources and needs in the school,"
said Mannering. "I plan to spend several months collecting information
from faculty, students and staff to get clear picture of where the school
is and to determine strategies that can be effectively implemented to
move the school to the next level of excellence."
Mannering said that the work would pay off and
that he is looking forward to becoming a part of Purdue.
"I am most looking forward to making the school
a better place for students, staff and faculty and improving upon the
school's already strong national ranking in undergraduate and graduate
programs," said Mannering. "The reputation and potential that the School
of Civil Engineering has makes this a very exciting position."
"It is certainly an honor to be selected as
head of one of the most prestigious civil engineering programs in the
country," he said.
Bowman said he and the rest of the School of Civil
Engineering share his excitement.
"Mannering should help keep us moving forward.
It is a great day for Purdue," he said.
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