Sarah Rajala, James L. and Katherine S. Melsa Dean of Engineering, has been reappointed for another five-year term. She has served as dean since April 2013.
Sarah Rajala
During her initial term, Rajala managed the college through a period of unprecedented enrollment growth, increased recruitment of diverse faculty and students, and enhanced the quality of the college's facilities. She maintained a high level of engagement with alumni, donors, and business and industry leaders and facilitated strong philanthropic support.
"Engineering always has been one of Iowa State's core strengths, as evidenced by its record enrollments, research funding and highly successful alumni," President Wendy Wintersteen said. "I very much appreciate Sarah's leadership, and I know it will continue during her next term as dean."
Senior vice president and provost Jonathan Wickert thanked students, faculty and staff in the college who participated in the review process. He also thanked the college's dean evaluation committee, chaired by professor and chair of agricultural and biosystems engineering Steve Mickelson, for managing the comprehensive review process.
"It is a great privilege to lead the college's 9,600 students and 500 faculty and staff," Rajala said. "I am proud of our work to this point and look forward to even greater accomplishments in the years to come."
Rajala earned her bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Michigan Technological University, Houghton, and master's and doctoral degrees from Rice University, Houston. Prior to arriving at Iowa State, she served as engineering dean and chair of electrical and computer engineering at Mississippi State University, Starkville, and associate dean for research and graduate programs at North Carolina State University, Raleigh.
