Rep. Vandana Slatter, Chair of the College & Workforce Development Committee, met with leaders in the College of Engineering (CoE) last week to discuss growth opportunities to help meet the demand for engineering degrees, cutting-edge research and technology, and the importance of equity in STEM fields.
Rep. Slatter first met with CoE Dean Nancy Allbritton to learn more about the College’s strategic vision and priorities, the students served, and the partnerships the College has with industry, such as the Industry Capstone Project. Dean Allbritton also highlighted the overwhelming demand for engineering degrees from Washington students and employers and encouraged the state to further invest in engineering enrollments, financial aid, and student support services.
Karen Thomas-Brown, Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, then provided an overview of CoE’s Pathways for Inclusive Excellence programs: Dean’s Scholars, Washington State Academic RedShirt (STARS), and Allen School Startup. These programs provide underserved students in Washington with opportunities to access and pursue engineering and computer science in a supportive environment that is committed to their success. Rep. Slatter took a deep dive into the workings of these impactful programs and learned more about the resources needed to ensure student success now and in the future.
After, Rep. Slatter connected with women leaders in diverse disciplines across CoE to hear about their impactful research and programs, including how they benefit Washingtonians and the state. They also had the opportunity to share what support is needed from the legislature for UW employees and students and learned how they can best engage in the legislative process (helpful hint: contact the Office of State Relations).
Rep. Slatter’s final stop of the day was at the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering where she learned how the state’s recent investments in expanding computer science enrollments at the UW are being utilized to improve student access and success.
Thank you, Rep. Slatter, for visiting the UW to connect with our College of Engineering leaders.