The leadership from nearly all of Florida’s engineering schools will converge on Tallahassee this week to discuss issues of common interest. Dubbed the Florida Engineering Dean’s Summit (FEDS), the event is envisioned as an annual event where academic leaders can explore solutions for shared problems and develop joint initiatives.
Using mainly roundtable discussions, the group will explore issues of common interest and develop joint initiatives. Topics for the 2023 summit include college leadership structure, support for large-scale public-private partnerships, undergraduate student success, faculty development, workforce development programs and online degree programs, among others.
In addition, the academic leaders will tour the engineering research labs in Tallahassee’s Innovation Park, which are closely associated with the joint college. Perhaps most anticipated is a backstage tour of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, the only national laboratory in the state of Florida funded by the National Science Foundation, which holds the record for creating a world-record magnetic field with small, compact coil.
“We could not be more excited about bringing the engineering deans in Florida together to discuss matters vital to the state and nation. From enhancing STEM education, to using advanced AI applications to improve coastal sustainability, food production, national security and so much more, the role of engineering and computer scientists play in making our world a better place has never been more critical,” said Forrest Masters, Ph.D., PE, and interim dean at the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at UF.
Dr. Allyson Watson, provost of Florida A&M University, will welcome the group with opening remarks. Dr. Jim Clark, Florida State University’s provost, will join the group for lunch. Participants will use this event as a great opportunity to talk about their colleges’ research and educational overlaps—and where they can combine resources for powerful collaboration.
The event spans Thursday evening, August 3 and Friday, August 4 in Tallahassee.
FEDS 2023 participants:
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
- Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering & Computer Science
- Florida International University, College of Engineering and Computing
- Florida Gulf Coast University, U.A. Whitaker College of Engineering
- Florida Polytechnic University, College of Engineering
- Florida Institute of Technology, College of Engineering and Science
- University of Central Florida, College of Engineering & Computer Science
- University of Florida, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering
- University of Miami, College of Engineering
- University of North Florida, School of Engineering
- University of South Florida, College of Engineering